LAKEPORT >> A Kelseyville man reportedly employed by Kmart was arrested on Tuesday evening after allegedly fighting with employees, a customer and two Lakeport Police Officers.
Travis Salminen, 18, led officers on a foot chase before he was Tasered. He was booked into the Hill Road Jail facing multiple charges. One officer was treated for injuries at Sutter Lakeside Hospital and released.
The incident began around 6:15 p.m. on Tuesday when police responded to reports of an altercation inside the store. Investigators later determined that Salminen had been in a verbal arguement with another employee and began throwing items on the floor.
According to an LPD report released on Wednesday, Salminen worked as a Loss Prevention Officer at Kmart.
“When confronted by a customer, both Salminen and the customer became engaged in a physical altercation,” the report said. “As fellow employees attempted to break up the fight, they were assaulted by Salminen.”
When LPD Officer Kaylene Strugnell entered the store, she located Salminen with his shirt off walking near the men’s clothing isle. Police reports indicate Strugnell repeatedly told Salminen to come to he,r but he refused and continued to walk toward the front of the store.
Eventually Salminen took off running, allegedly refusing to obey Strugnell’s orders to stop.
Strugnell and Officer Casey Debolt pursued Salminen on foot as he continued to run out the doors and through the parking lot toward O’Reilly Auto Parts on S. Main Street. The LPD report alleges that as Debolt caught up got within arm’s reach, Salminen turned around, cell phone in hand, and punched Officer Debolt in the face with his fist.
Both men went to the ground. During the struggle, Salminen reportedly continued to throw punches. The report also claims Salminen bit Debolt’s left hand, causing injury.
Salminen was eventually taken into custody after Taser deployment.
He faces charges of battery on a peace officer, resisting an executive officer by force, /resisting arrest and assault and battery. His bail was set at $15,000.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Lakeport Police Department at 707-263-5491.
