Richard Snell

A Lawrence man was arrested this week for reportedly threatening to harm a transient with a large chain at a local homeless shelter, police said.

Prosecutors charged Richard Snell, 44, with attempted aggravated battery on Thursday.

A city employee reported the crime against the 49-year-old victim, who is an acquaintance of the suspect, a police report said. The incident reportedly happened around noon Wednesday at the Lawrence Community Shelter, 214 W. 10th St.

Snell was taken into custody at 4:45 p.m. Wednesday, in the 1100 block of New York Street, police said.

“A large chain was recovered,” said police spokeswoman Kim Murphree.

Snell, 44, pleaded not guilty to the charge Thursday afternoon in Douglas County District Court, court records said. He’s scheduled to return to court Wednesday for an appearance in front of Judge Michael Malone. The suspect is being held in Douglas County Jail.