YUMA – A Yuma man went berserk in a yogurt store after an employee told him to put a mask and gloves on.
According to the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office, on Thursday, July 9, 2020, at approximately 6:17 p.m., deputies responded to a report of an armed man with a gun and causing a disturbance at the Tiki Hut Frozen Yogurt located at 11274 S. Fortuna Road in Yuma.
Steven Covington, age 64, allegedly entered the business without wearing a face mask. An employee told Covington that he was required to wear a face mask and gloves provided by the business in order to be served. Covington became upset and began dispensing frozen yogurt into his bare hands. Covington was then escorted out of the business by the employee.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, once Covington was outside he went to his vehicle, retrieved a handgun, and began following the employee back to the store. The employee was able to secure the door and Covington began pointing the handgun at the employee.
Covington then tried to gain entry into the business as well as another business next door while still holding the handgun.
Covington fled the area prior to the arrival of deputies, but was found shortly after. Covington was still armed with the handgun when contacted by deputies.
Deputies were able to disarm Covington and arrest him without incident.
Covington was booked into the Yuma County Detention Center for Aggravated Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Misconduct Involving Weapons, and Disorderly Conduct.