Gene Hackman Knew Homeless Man He Slapped In Santa Fe

A New Mexico police report says Gene Hackman had given clothes, money and rides to a homeless man he slapped this week after the man became aggressive toward the Oscar-winning actor and his wife.

The Santa Fe New Mexican reports Hackman and his wife told officers they had helped 63-year-old Bruce Becker for several years.

The Santa Fe police report says Hackman rebuffed Becker when he approached them Tuesday and told him to get a job. Police say Hackman acted in self-defense and no charges have been filed.

Hackman and his wife have a home in Santa Fe. The 82-year-old actor has won two Academy Awards and been nominated for three others over a career that has spanned five decades.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.