A homeless man who was arrested briefly Friday evening after city by-laws officers removed his possessions from a northeast London sidewalk, has now been charged with assault.

The man, who goes by the name Sunny James and was staying in the area of Huron Street and Highbury Avenue for weeks, allegedly assaulted a clerk at a pharmacy and a police officer.

The 64-year-old man's legal name is James Gill. Police say about 4 p.m. on Sunday he entered a pharmacy at 1224 Commissioners Rd. W.

While inside, they say he argued with a female cashier and proceeded to assault her before leaving the pharmacy.

Police were notified of the assault, and upon locating him in Springbank Park, they say he began yelling obscenities at an officer. 

Police say he used foul language and was uncooperative with police.

Upon being arrested, the Gill allegedly assaulted one of the arresting officers. Nobody was injured.

Gill is charged with:

• Assault

• Assault a peace officer

• Causing a disturbance

• Resisting arrest

Following removal of his belongings Friday, there was an outcry on social media.

A GoFundMe page was set up to help Gill get a campsite at Fanshawe Conservation Area, which is where he told CTV News that he wanted to go.