Man Arrested After Incident at Local Restaurant

LONGVIEW � Longview police say a man carrying a couple of weapons and associated items has been arrested on multiple charges following a tense incident at a restaurant and a short pursuit. Just before 1:30 Tuesday morning, police were dispatched to the 100 Block of West Loop 281 for an armed person in the parking lot of the location. As officers were arriving on scene they were told by a witness that the suspect had just left the location in a white passenger car traveling westbound on West Loop 281. Witnesses also told police that a white male was in the restaurant and was �acting weird.� While there he attempted to purchase an alcoholic beverage and the bartender refused to serve him due to his behavior.

Witnesses said he got irate, knocked things off the counter and went out to his car. The suspect retrieved what appeared to be some sort of assault rifle from his vehicle and began walking back towards the building. While walking back to the restaurant he began pointing the weapon at the building and other patrons both inside and outside the restaurant.

Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle minutes later. Authorities say the driver and suspect, identified as 29-year-old Eric Paul Richardson of White Oak, refused to stop for police. During the short pursuit Richardson was observed swerving all over the roadway before coming to a stop, according to officials. Police took Richardson into custody for terroristic threat, evading arrest in a vehicle, and driving while intoxicated without further incident. He was transported to the Gregg County Jail. Police say they located two AR-15 style weapons in Richardson’s car, along with several magazines designed to hold firearm ammunition, and body armor.