A West Virginia woman told police that her co-worker allegedly pointed a handgun at her during a lunch break in his car and later stalked her through the aisles of the Fayetteville Walmart where they both worked, according to a criminal complaint.
Background
The alleged incidents occurred on Aug. 23 while the woman was on her lunch break with Byron Shelton, 22, in his vehicle, according to a criminal complaint obtained by West Virginia-based news outlet Lootpress.com. The woman told police that Shelton became emotional during their conversation, expressing problems he was having with his girlfriend and stating he wanted to take his own life.
According to the complaint, while both were still inside the car, Shelton pulled out a handgun and asked the woman if she ever had a gun pointed at her. Police said Shelton removed the magazine from the firearm and pressed the weapon against the woman's leg.
The pair then returned to work, where police say Shelton's behavior escalated. The woman told investigators that Shelton followed her around the store aisles while she stocked shelves, causing her significant concern. She became so alarmed by his conduct that she had another employee contact management on her behalf.
According to the complaint, after her shift ended, the woman met with Shelton again in his car to continue their conversation. Without warning, police said Shelton reached over, grabbed her by the throat, and squeezed. He reportedly apologized afterward.
The Charges
The woman reported the alleged incidents to authorities on Aug. 27. Fayetteville Police charged Byron Shelton with battery and brandishing a deadly weapon, both misdemeanor offenses.
Shelton was arrested on Friday and booked into Southern Regional Jail in Beaver, West Virginia. He posted $1,000 bond and was released from custody. Court records indicated no scheduled court date as of Monday.
Key Takeaways
- The alleged victim told police Shelton pointed a handgun at her during a lunch break on Aug. 23
- Police said he removed the gun's magazine before pressing the weapon against her leg
- Investigators allege Shelton stalked the woman through Walmart aisles while she worked
- A separate incident allegedly involved Shelton grabbing the woman by the throat and squeezing
- Shelton faces misdemeanor charges of battery and brandishing a deadly weapon
What's Next
Shelton has been released on bond. No court date had been scheduled as of Monday, according to available records. The case remains under investigation by Fayetteville Police.
The criminal complaint is available through Lootpress.com.