Lincoln Police were called to the Casey’s at 1001 S. 13th Street around 12:30 p.m. Tuesday after a witness called to report a man with a large knife was trying to steal a bike from another man. When officers arrived, they saw several people involved in a altercation and both ran when they saw police.
One man was seen carrying a large knife. He was taken into custody after a short foot chase.
The other man seen carrying a large sharpened stick refused to follow orders by the police. He was found hiding behind an air conditioning unit still holding the stick and frantically trying to empty his pockets. Officers instructed him to show his hands and drop the weapon but he refused and began to physically resist the officer. An officer eventually deployed a taser and was able to take the man into custody.
During a search, police found a digital scale with white residue that pre-tested positive for methamphetamine and 2.5 grams of marijuana. In the area where he was emptying his pockets. Officers located two glass pipes, another 2.4 g of marijuana, paraphernalia with white residue, numerous baggies, and a black realistic air soft pistol.
As if protocol of any taser deployment, the male was transported by Lincoln Fire and Rescue to a local area hospital. He was medically cleared and transported to the jail. 28 year old Justin Thomas was booked for Possession of a Controlled Substance, Resist Arrest, Obstruct a Police Officer, and Possession of Marijuana.
The other male involved, 24 year old male, was complaint with police once contacted. Officers interviewed witnesses and learned that the two men had been arguing and each pulled out a weapon. Neither party was threatened nor did they wish to press charges against the other for the original altercation.