A Raleigh man was charged with sexual battery after deputies said he inappropriately touched a female employee at a Johnston County restaurant.
Officers were called to the Applebee’s at 5158 Highway 42 West (near I-40) around 10 PM Saturday for a report of a customer causing a disturbance at the bar area, according to sheriff’s office spokesperson Tammy Amaon.
Deputies said 41 year-old James Albert Lyons was using profanity and acting belligerent after being cut off from being served alcohol at the bar. Lyons was reportedly asked to pay his tab and leave but he refused to do so. Before officers arrived, Lyons alleged grabbed a female employees breast.
While being placed in a patrol car, Lyons allegedly used his knee to strike a deputy in the chin, causing a minor injury to the officer.
Lyons was charged with sexual battery, assault on a government officials, resisting a public officer, intoxicated and disruptive, and trespassing. Bail was set at $6,000.
