CRAINVILLE – A man was cited for Threatening a Public Official – a Class 3 felony – and Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer – a Class A misdemeanor after Williamson County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a disturbance at a business commonly referred to as a “hookah” bar, located at 1615 Landing Drive in Crainville early Sunday morning.

According to the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office, John D. Thomas was taken to and lodged in the Williamson County Jail.

The sheriff’s office says the business has been observed operating irregular hours of operation opening on random nights around 2 a.m. and continuing to have crowds and music until 5 a.m. or later.

Upon arrival, deputies observed a large crowd in the parking lot and attempted to restore order. The crowd was non-compliant, argued, and obstructed law enforcement’s efforts. While law enforcement attempted to handle the incident a large crowd continued to advance on officers, filming with cell phones, yelling, and not responding to lawful commands to stay back and allow officers to perform their duties.

Sheriff Jeff Diederich arrived on scene and approached the door man “bouncer” to inquire who was in charge. He stated, “that guy” and pointed at a male who was walking toward the sheriff.

Sheriff Diederich recognized the male as John D. Thomas from prior police contact. Thomas is known to have been engaged in past criminal activity including extensive weapons offenses. Thomas identified himself as the owner of the business.

Sheriff Diederich advised Thomas that law enforcement had responded to disturbances and other criminal activity at this location numerous times. He was advised that if he is going to run this business, he needs to do so lawfully and take responsibility to prevent patrons from causing disturbances, excessive intoxication, and other activities requiring a law enforcement response.

While speaking to Thomas outside in the parking lot a new disturbance could be heard occurring inside the business which sounded like multiple people fighting.

Thomas became agitated and started communicating audibly to Sheriff Diederich that “You don’t want to do this,” “You don’t know who you’re messing with,” and “You’re going to wish you didn’t mess with me.”

Thomas continued to make more specific threats to the Sheriff including, “I’m telling you this is going to go really bad for you…you don’t want this….You’re going to get &$@#&# up”.

Sheriff Diederich advised Thomas he was under arrest for threatening a public official.

Multiple deputies and officers rushed to assist and Thomas was taken into custody without further incident.

Deputies continuing to handle the disturbance located a female in the parking lot who initially claimed she had been battered by a male. A male suspect was later located hiding on the south side of the building. The suspect initially attempted to conceal his identification and flee but surrendered without further incident.

After extensive investigation it was determined that the female was highly intoxicated, showed no signs of injury, and had been arguing with friends who were attempting to prevent her from driving.

During past occurrences, as well as during this incident, law enforcement observed patrons who appeared intoxicated, the strong odor of cannabis emitting from the property including patrons, vehicles, and the business entrance.

During this incident, Deputies searching inside the business for the battery suspect, observed the strong odor of cannabis and numerous people who appeared to be consuming alcoholic type beverages.

There were numerous cups, bottles, and other items consistent with the consumption of alcoholic beverage observed throughout the business.

Sheriff Jeff Diederich stated, “We continue to deal with unlicensed establishments having alcoholic beverages on premise. We have seen a pattern where unlicensed establishments, operating during the early morning hours, combined with large crowds continues to result in disturbance calls creating a serious public safety issue.”