After a man became agitated at Longmont’s north Walmart on Wednesday afternoon, customer Roman Avila’s instinct was to stop him by tackling him.
“I always tell myself I would do that if it happened, and it happened,” Avila said.
Police identified the man as Dustin Robinson-Beaty, 23, who they arrested outside the north entrance of Walmart, 2514 Main St.. Police said when store managers approached his camper that had been parked for several days, they told him to leave and he began yelling obscenities.
Cmdr. Joel Post said police believe Robinson-Beaty followed the managers back through the parking lot to the store, where he began throwing things at the employees and another manager approached. He then reportedly head-butted the female manager, possibly breaking her nose.
Avila, of Longmont, said he was checking out after shopping and noticed the argument turn physical.
“I tackled him and held him down on the ground until the cops got here,” he said.
A manager standing outside the store said to him, “It could’ve gotten a whole lot worse.” They handed him a $50 gift card for his help and directed customers to use the south entrance.
Post said officers used a Taser when Robinson-Beaty resisted being taken into custody. He was transported to Longmont United Hospital for medical clearance. Charges are pending, but could include assault, trespass, harassment and resisting arrest.
Post said there is no indication that Robinson-Beaty was under the influence.
At the same Walmart in March 2016, a customer intervened after an officer was attacked in the store by a 44-year-old man.
Campers in retail parking lots have been an issue in Longmont recently, as the Longmont JCPenney said it would deal with campers and lived-in vehicles staying overnight in its parking lot in January.
Amelia Arvesen: 303-684-5212, arvesena@times-call.com or twitter.com/ameliaarvesen
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