Man accused of assaulting officer at Denny’s

A Maricopa man was arrested on a slew of charges last week after police said he assaulted an officer and failed to pay for his food at a new restaurant.

Hezekiah Turner, 21, was arrested inside Denny’s Restaurant Feb. 27, just one day after the eatery opened.

The arrest reportedly stemmed from an incident earlier that day at the same location. A Maricopa Police Department report states Turner allegedly walked out of the establishment around 2 a.m. with his to-go order without paying his $31.57 food bill.

Officers were unable to locate Turner after employees and a witness who recognized Turner spoke to police.

Denny’s management later called authorities again around 11:30 p.m., Feb. 27. Turner was back, and he was ordering more food.

Four officers arrived and briefly detained Turner. The police report states Turner told police he had money and would pay for his current order and the one from earlier.

The restaurant manager requested Turner be trespassed after his payment and Turner reportedly agreed.

“Once Turner was at the main cash register to pay for his food, he made statements to the manager as to his employees being stupid and at fault for not telling him he needed to pay for the food,” the police report states.

The manager told police he wanted to press charges against Turner after the comment.

Police attempted to secure Turner by “grabbing both of his arms,” in an attempt to handcuff him, but Turner of being combative, loud and disruptive, according to the report. Customers were inside the restaurant at the time.

“Turner was not compliant with officers and ultimately went to the ground,” the reported stated.

During the floor scuffle, one officer injured his left hand attempting to secure Turner.

Officers eventually cuffed Turner and escorted him outside of the building and into a patrol vehicle.

Turner was transported to Pinal County Jail on charges of aggravated assault against a peace officer, (class 6 felony), three counts of resisting arrest (class 6 felonies), disorderly conduct (class 1 misdemeanor), and theft (class 1 misdemeanor).

Last June, police forwarded charges of aggravated domestic violence against Turner after he allegedly racked up his fourth domestic violence charge in 14 months.

Turner remains in Pinal County Jail custody on a $1,000 bond.

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