A 32-year-old Centralia man has been charged with two misdemeanor offenses after allegedly getting a handgun from his vehicle during an argument with another employee in the parking lot of the Fairways Restaurant in Centralia Monday night.
Riley Sanders of Ridge Road was charged in Marion County Court Tuesday with aggravated assault for allegedly yelling at his 16-year-old co-worker as he approached him while holding the firearm. A second count of battery claiming Sanders allegedly pushed the 16-year-old with his hand.
Marion County State’s Attorney Tim Hudspeth says reports indicate no shots were fired and Sanders was allegedly holding the gun by the barrel.
The owner of the Greenview Golf Course, where Fairways is located, is Steve Whritenour who is Acting Centralia Police Chief. After learning of the seriousness of the incident and talking to the 16-year-old employee, his father, and another witness he asked State Police to investigate to avoid any conflict of interest.
On his personal Facebook page, Whritenour noted State Police handled the incident and an arrest was made within 24 hours. He reports the employee arrested was fired and banned from the property. Whritenour added the incident is now in the court system and all suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
Bond for Sanders was set at $5,000 during his first court appearance. He later posted $500 cash and was released from the Marion County Jail. Sanders indicated he would hire his own attorney.
Story updated 11:45 am Thursday, August 11th.
