KATY MAGAZINE NEWS
September 6, 2020
By Natalie Cook Clark
A man was arrested twice at Trader Joe’s in LaCenterra after an argument that escalated from his refusal to wear a face mask.
Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office (FBCSO) deputies responded to a 9-1-1 call from Trader Joe’s in LaCenterra in Cinco Ranch on Thursday afternoon. Kheri Pooyah was arrested after he caused a disturbance at the popular grocery store.
“We’re not sure it it’s mental health or drugs at this point,” says Major Chad Norvell with FBCSO. “We’ll certainly involve our Crisis Intervention Team if it is determined to be mental health created.”
Started with Mask Refusal
Trader Joe’s requires all employees and shoppers to wear a mask on the premises. Pooyah refused to wear a mask in the store and was yelling at employees. Deputies arrived and gave Pooyah a trespassing warning and instructed him to leave.
About an hour later, deputies received a call about a subject running on the main lanes of the Grand Parkway near LaCenterra. The man, later identified as Pooyah, reportedly tried to kick a vehicle that honked at him.
When a female deputy arrived on the scene, Pooyah attacked her car while she sat inside the vehicle waiting for back-up. He pulled so hard on the door handle that it caused damage.
"He fought our deputies," says Constable Wayne Thompson of Fort Bend County Constable's Office, Precinct 3. "He injured two and was arrested for multiple charges."
Trader Joe’s shoppers reported up to five sheriff’s vehicles on the scene at the incident. Pooyah was arrested by Precinct 3 deputies.
Pooyah is being charged with two counts of assault on a peace officer, trespassing, and criminal mischief.
Authorities reported that Pooyah is being evaluated at Memorial Hermann Katy.
Second Arrest
Yesterday, Saturday September 5, Pooyah returned to the same Trader Joe's.
"The subject came back again yesterday and we responded again," says Constable Thompson. "Another scuffle ensued and the subject was once again arrested."
"He wasn’t arrested for not wearing a mask," says Constable Thompson.