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On 01/06/2023 at around 1545 hours, the Newport Police Department responded to 2220 North Coast Hwy on the report of a subject who had threatened a retail employee with a knife. Employees stated that the subject, who was trespassed the previous day while stealing items, returned and again began selecting items to steal.
An employee confronted the subject, told him to return the items and leave the business. The subject became agitated and began throwing items on the ground. The subject then revealed part of a large fixed blade knife that was concealed inside of the right sleeve of his jacket and threatened to kill the employee. The subject then left the business with two of the stolen items and walked north along Hwy 101.
Officers located the subject in front of a business in the 3000 block of north Hwy 101. The subject was agitated, refused to obey commands from Officers, and began trying to walk away from them. Officers told the subject he was going to be placed in handcuffs. The subject told Officers they were not going to place him in handcuffs, they were going to have to shoot him. Officers continued trying to deescalate the situation and find a safe way to apprehend the subject.
At one point during the incident, the subject quickly reached for the handle of the concealed knife as if he were going to attempt an attack on a nearby Officer. A cover Officer approached the subject with a drawn firearm to protect the other Officer from an attack with the knife. The subject then let go of the knife, raised his hands, and became compliant with commands. Officers were able to detain the subject without further issue. The subject was identified as Brett Edward Walker, 35 of Newport.
Walker was arrested at the scene and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on the following charges; Robbery in the second degree, Menacing, Unlawful Use of Weapon, Disorderly Conduct in the second degree, Theft in the third degree and Criminal Trespass in the second degree.
The Newport Police Department was assisted by the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office.