Armed Employee Arrested at Newberry County Restaurant

News Summary

An armed disturbance at Martin’s Landing in Newberry County, South Carolina, led to the arrest of former employee Duan P. Barnes. The 40-year-old was found brandishing a BB gun while demanding payment for past work. Fortunately, deputies detained him without incident. Charges include first-degree assault, battery, and kidnapping. Sheriff Lee Foster emphasized the importance of resolving disputes peacefully, reminding the public to utilize legal avenues rather than resorting to intimidation.

Drama Unfolds in Newberry County Restaurant: Armed Employee Arrested

In a surprising turn of events this past Friday, a mid-morning outing at Martin’s Landing, a popular restaurant in Newberry County, South Carolina, took a wild twist that many won’t soon forget. The restaurant, previously known as Holland’s Landing, was buzzing with customers enjoying their meals when a scene straight out of a thriller unfolded.

An Unexpected Visitor

Newberry County 911 was alerted to a situation that would cause quite a stir. Reports indicated there was an armed individual inside the restaurant causing a disturbance. Responding deputies swiftly made their way to the location on Marina Way, where they found not only staff and patrons but also a man at the bar causing all the hubbub.

Meet the Suspect

This individual was identified as Duan P. Barnes, a 40-year-old from nearby Prosperity, South Carolina. What made the situation even more shocking was that Barnes was a former employee of the restaurant—one who had been terminated prior to this rather dramatic encounter. What was he doing back at the scene of the culinary crime, you ask? Well, he had reportedly returned to demand payment for his previous work.

A Weapon That Looks Too Real

When deputies arrived, they discovered that Barnes was brandishing a firearm which, at first glance, appeared to be a real handgun. However, as the situation unfolded, authorities determined that it was, in fact, a highly realistic-looking BB gun. This BB gun was cleverly concealed in a police-style holster, giving it an intimidating appearance that played a crucial role in the unfolding drama.

A Calm Resolution

Fortunately, the deputies were able to detain Barnes without incident—no escalating threats, no injuries sustained. Just a peaceful resolution to a potentially dangerous situation. After ensuring everyone’s safety, the suspect was taken into custody and escorted to the Newberry County Detention Center.

Facing Serious Charges

As the dust settled, it became clear that Barnes would be facing several serious charges including first-degree assault, battery, and kidnapping. Quite the list for what started as an unusual demand for wages! In light of this shocking event, Sheriff Lee Foster expressed a sense of relief that no one was hurt, especially given the realistic nature of the weapon.

Words of Caution

Sheriff Foster reflected on the unsettling occurrence, reminding the public that disputes over money should be handled through the proper legal channels, rather than resorting to intimidation or threats of violence. It’s a reminder that conflicts can lead to unnecessary chaos when cooler heads do not prevail.

Reactions from the Community

This incident has certainly left many residents of Newberry County shaking their heads in disbelief. How could a regular day at a restaurant turn into such a chaotic situation? As word spreads, one thing is for sure—the community will be keeping a closer eye on their local eateries, hoping for more serene dining experiences in the future.

The Takeaway

While tensions ran high at Martin’s Landing, this incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of resolving conflict peacefully. As the local law enforcement reaffirms their commitment to safety, it’s an opportunity for everyone to come together and support one another in the heart of Newberry County.

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Additional Resources

• WLTX: Standoff at Newberry County Restaurant
• The State: Newberry County Crime Report
• WIS TV: Prosperity Man Indicted
• Wikipedia: Armed Standoff
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Gun Violence