By TONY GUERRERO
Hays Post
A restaurant employee was arrested after allegedly assaulting his manager at a Hays restaurant before bystanders intervened.
Hays Deputy Police Chief Tim Greenwood said 56-year-old Mark Alan Dawson, an employee at Old Chicago, 383 Mopar Drive, allegedly assaulted his manager on Sunday.
Greenwood said officers were dispatched at about 6:30 p.m. to a disturbance in progress. When officers arrived, they found the manager with minor facial injuries.
Greenwood said Dawson allegedly became disruptive in the kitchen, and when his manager attempted to address the behavior, Dawson allegedly punched and headbutted him.
As officers attempted to take Dawson into custody, Greenwood said the suspect allegedly resisted and battered a law enforcement officer. During the struggle, Greenwood said Dawson allegedly tried to take the officer to the ground.
The officer deployed a Taser, but it was ineffective because the encounter was too close for the probes to deploy properly. Greenwood said the incident occurred outside the kitchen in the dining area.
Greenwood said two bystanders offered assistance, which the officer "greatly accepted."
Dawson was taken to the ground by the officer and the two bystanders, and subdued until additional law enforcement officers arrived at the scene.
Greenwood said alcohol was believed to be a factor and no officers were injured. Dawson was charged with alleged battery, battery on a law enforcement officer and interference with law enforcement.
Greenwood said he was grateful for the assistance provided by the good Samaritans who helped the officer.