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Riverrock bottle-throwing suspect appears in court

Posted at 12:40 PM, May 20, 2013
and last updated 2013-05-20 13:12:42-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- A 19-year-old Henrico man was formally charged Monday after police said he lobbed an empty liquor bottle at the stage during a Toots and the Maytals concert in Richmond Saturday night.

Video shows the moment a vodka bottle was tossed from the crowd during the Dominion Riverrock festival and slammed into lead singer Toots Hibbert's head. [VIDEO: Teen arrested, ‘Toots’ recovering after bottle throwing incident]

Hibbert, who was rushed to the hospital as the concert abruptly ended, required seven stitches on his forehead.

William C. Lewis, of the 2300 block of Crickhollow Court in Henrico, was arrested shortly after the incident and faced a judge on Monday morning.

 William C. Lewis (Henrico police)

William C. Lewis (Henrico police)

Lewis was released from jail on a $3500 bond with the stipulation that he enroll in a drug and alcohol treatment program.

Williams, who told a judge he is going hire his own attorney, faces malicious wounding and public intoxication charges.

Lewis is scheduled to appear in court on June 7.

The band released a statement on its Facebook page Monday morning.

"Toots would like to thank all his friends, fans and family who have reached out to him since the bottle throwing incident in Richmond Saturday Night," the band wrote on Facebook. "The youth who threw the bottle for no apparent reason is in custody and being charged."

The band was able to continue with its Sunday night show in New York and hopes to continue their current tour.

Hundred of people, including folks from Central Virginia, posted words of encouragement on the band's Facebook page.

"On behalf of Richmond, you have my sincere apologies," wrote Lee Huntington. "Callous, ignorant behavior of that kind is NOT a hallmark of our city."

If you have information that could help investigators, call Detective Christopher Foultz at 804-646-6996. Anyone with information can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 804-780-1000.

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