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Competing interests at Charlottesville’s free speech wall have resulted in one man being charged with misdemeanor assault after he attempted to prevent another man from erasing a message.

Mason Pickett, 64, who is often seen in the downtown area hoisting a sign critical of City Councilor Wes Bellamy, has been charged with assault following an Aug. 24 altercation at the free speech chalkboard.

He was served with a summons for the charge on Friday, according to Charlottesville District Court records.

According to records, Jdavyd Williams obtained the warrant, claiming that Pickett pushed him as he attempted to erase something that Pickett had written on the chalkboard.

No one was injured in the incident.

Pickett was in court Monday, when his case was continued until Oct. 27 or until he can hire an attorney.

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