A man has been charged with aggravated battery after he allegedly threw a rock at a gas station employee while he was trying to run away with stolen items.
On April 1 around 1:30 am Gallup Police Officer Patrick Largo was dispatched to the Love’s truck stop at 3380 W. Hwy. 66 after a man named Andrew Damon allegedly threw a rock at one of the truck stop employees.
According to his report, the victim told Largo that his manager had said Damon, 36, and another man were stealing items from the business and stuffing them inside their jackets. The employee followed Damon into the bathroom.
The victim told Largo that he believed Damon was trying to flush items down the toilet. When the employee confronted him, Damon handed some of the items back, and then he tried to leave the store.
The victim followed Damon with another employee, and once they were outside Damon allegedly threw a rock at the victim.
The rock hit the victim’s left arm. According to his report, Largo did notice a red mark on the victim’s arm.
The victim said he didn’t want Damon to get away with stealing and hitting him with a rock, so he ran after him and tackled him to the ground.
Damon stole almost $50 of food and merchandise from the store, including multiple Little Debbie snack cakes and a toy truck.
Largo also met with a man who worked for Tribe Security. He had been able to detain Damon. The security guard said he’d been sitting in his car when he noticed two Loves employees following Damon outside.
Damon reportedly took off running after he threw the rock, but the security guard was able to catch up with him in the south parking lot. He put Damon in handcuffs and led him back to the business.
Damon was charged with aggravated battery and larceny. His preliminary hearing was scheduled for April 19.
Staff Reports
