MONROE — Police believe a mad dad tried to silence a restaurant worker from pursuing criminal charges against his son by using threats and pepper spray.
The Monroe man, 48, was arrested Monday for investigation of assault and intimidating a witness before being booked into the Snohomish County Jail.
The allegations stem from a confrontation that occurred Aug. 12 in an alley outside a downtown restaurant where the suspect’s son once worked. The suspect allegedly told the man to drop forgery charges against his son.
The restaurant worker told the suspect to leave, or that he would call 911.
He told police he became frightened when the suspect reached for an object, which he at first thought might be a gun. The suspect allegedly said, “Let’s see how you like this!”
The worker said he thought he was about to die and feared for the diners inside the restaurant, according to court papers.
When the man turned to run back into the building, the suspect allegedly sprayed him in the face as well as in the cabin of his truck before fleeing on a bike, court papers said.
The restaurant worker told police he was frightened to go to work and to be seen in downtown Monroe, that he is “constantly looking over his shoulder” expecting the dad to hurt him again if he doesn’t drop the charges.
Police arrested the suspect near the restaurant Monday. The suspect acknowledged the confrontation but said he believed he was acting in self-defense.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.
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