BLCK MOUNTAIN, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A 76-year-old man is facing multiple charges after police say he returned to a Black Mountain restaurant with a firearm Thursday evening after allegedly threatening employees earlier in the day.
According to the Black Mountain Police Department, officers responded to Trailhead Restaurant at about 5:37 p.m. July 2 after receiving reports that Charles Donald Wilson had returned to the business following an earlier disturbance.
Police said Wilson had been asked to leave the restaurant after making inappropriate and disparaging comments toward an employee. During that encounter, investigators say he threatened to return with a firearm and harm people inside the restaurant.
Authorities said Wilson returned to the restaurant while armed and made statements and actions that caused immediate concern for the safety of patrons and staff.
Before officers arrived, several people inside the restaurant intervened, disarmed and restrained Wilson until police took him into custody without further incident.
Wilson was transported to the Buncombe County Detention Facility and charged with going armed to the terror of the public, brandishing a firearm and intoxicated and disruptive behavior. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.
No serious injuries were reported.
In a news release, the Black Mountain Police Department praised the rrestaurant staff and patrons who responded during the incident, calling their actions courageous and saying they helped bring the situation to a safe resolution.
“While incidents of this nature are extremely rare in Black Mountain, they are inherently dangerous and unpredictable,” the department said. “The calm actions and assistance provided by citizens on scene contributed to bringing this event to a safe resolution.”
Police said the investigation remains ongoing, and additional information will be released if it becomes available.