FAYETTEVILLE -- A man was arrested midday Monday after witnesses said they saw him carry a gun into the Harps grocery store on Garland Avenue after leaving an altercation at 969 W. Holly St., police said.
Lasaba Hill, 41, of 1214 Bernice Drive was arrested in connection with intimidating a witness, possession of a firearm by a certain person, aggravated assault and first-degree battery, according to the Washington County Detention Center.
Chris Johnson told police Hill showed up at his residence and said he was going to kill Johnson to make sure he didn't testify against him in court, according to a preliminary arrest report.
Hill beat Johnson on his head with the gun, and then pointed the gun in his face, according to the report. Hill pushed Johnson off the balcony nearly 9 feet above the ground, according to the report.
Johnson fled with Hill running after him, according to the report. While running, Johnson looked back and saw Hill shoot at him, according to the report. Police said they recovered a bullet.
The gun had not been found as of Monday evening, said Sgt. Craig Stout, public information officer at the Fayetteville Police Department.
Hill went inside businesses in the area, and then to the grocery store where he was arrested, according to the police.
Hill told police while he was standing near the entrance of the store he never had a gun, and did not have a gun or any other weapons in his possession. About five officers searched the grocery store and several nearby businesses.
"I didn't have a gun, sir," Hill said. "No weapons period. I have no reason to lie to you ... I am a man, and a man of my word," Hill said.
Security video at the grocery store was being reviewed, Stout said.
Firefighters helped the Police Department search for the gun, Stout said. They were searching roofs of nearby businesses to see if Hill had thrown the gun onto a roof.
Hill was in the Washington County Detention Center on Monday night without bond.
NW News on 07/29/2014