Asheville police arrested a man Friday whom they say twice threatened and intimidated employees of two different Walmart's in the city, one of which was caught on video which subsequently went viral.
43-year-old James Lawrence Owensby of Asheville was arrested Friday and faces one count of simple assault, and two counts of communicating a threat and ethnic intimidation. Police say employees at two Walmart locations in south Asheville reported the incidents. One happened on June 30th, which was caught on video. The other happened on Thursday.
Police say they are investigating whether each incident was racially motivated, which could lead to more charges. Anyone who witnessed the incidents is encouraged to call police at 828-252-1110.