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SALT LAKE CITY — A man was arrested Monday after police say he threatened to shoot up a business because he was asked to leave a Salt Lake store because he refused to wear a mask.
William Charles Lewis, 42, was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Monday for investigation of disorderly conduct.
On Sunday, a man went into The Stockist, 875 E. 900 South, in Salt Lake City's popular 9th and 9th neighborhood without a mask and was asked to put one on.
"He immediately started yelling and swearing at us," said employee Josh Edgar. He said the man told him, "This is my country, I don't have to wear a mask."
They said the man then told the employees, "I'm going to get my gun and come back and shoot you all."
After the man left the store, employees closed the store for the rest of the day for safety concerns.
Lewis has an extensive history of being arrested for intoxication, according to court records. Since 2019, he has been charged with public intoxication, public urination or theft of services a dozen times.
On Monday, Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson visited The Stockist to show her support to the business and said she purchased a "cute pair of earrings" while there.
"Stopped by The Stockist to express my support for the store's owner and her employees. Businesses have every right to protect workers and customers by requiring masks. It's a small ask to expect people to be respectful and kind. FYI, SLC still has mask mandate," Henderson posted on Twitter.
