By Associated Press - Friday, July 10, 2020

YUMA, Ariz. (AP) - A Yuma man who was ejected from a frozen yogurt shop for not wearing a mask is facing charges for pulling out a gun in response.

Yuma County Sheriff’s officials say the incident happened around 6:15 p.m. Thursday when 64-year-old Steven Covington entered Tiki Hut Frozen Yogurt.

According to the staff, Covington was agitated when told to wear a face covering and gloves provided by the store. Covington then started dispensing frozen yogurt into his bare hands.



A worker escorted him out of the shop.

Authorities say that’s when Covington got a handgun from his car and followed the employee. The store was locked down but Covington allegedly pointed the gun at the employee and tried to get inside the store and a neighboring business.

He then fled but responding deputies found him. They seized the gun and arrested Covington without incident.

He was booked into jail on suspicion of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, misconduct involving weapons and disorderly conduct.

It was not known Friday if he had an attorney to comment on his behalf.

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