By ALIN HETT
Hays Post
A California man was arrested in Hays after allegedly following two people to a Hays motel and starting a fight after they had encouraged him to get out of the middle of Vine Street.
Don Scheibler, Hays police chief, said two people were driving north on Vine Street at about 1:30 a.m. Aug. 23 when they encountered 43-year-old Dale William Owens of Backerville, California, walking in the middle of the roadway.
The two encouraged Owens to get out of the street, and Scheibler said Owens began walking toward them. Wanting to avoid a confrontation, the two drove to a motel on the north end of Hays.
Owens allegedly followed them on foot to the motel, where Scheibler said he allegedly initiated an argument in the parking lot and punched one of the occupants in the face. A fight then ensued.
Scheibler said Owens left before law enforcement arrived but was located a couple of blocks away.
Owens was arrested on requested charges of battery, disorderly conduct and pedestrian under the influence.