[PHOTO CREDIT: Lake County Sheriff’s Office]
[Original Publish Date: 09/03/20]
MOUNT DORA, Florida — A man who was apparently in a highly-charged emotional state caused nearly $100 worth of damage to merchandise and forced the closure of the sporting goods department and self-checkout area at Walmart Aug. 25, according to an arrest affidavit.
John Earl Gregory, 31, of Eustis was cussing at customers and throwing merchandise around the store around noon Aug. 25, causing $98 worth of damage to two displays containing cleaning supplies and batteries, according to the affidavit. Gregory, who later told Mount Dora Police he was angry, was asked to leave by a manager and Gregory allegedly told him he would batter him if he approached him.
The manager closed the general merchandise self-checkout area and the sporting goods department for the safety of the customers, the affidavit states.
MDPD found Gregory walking through the parking lot and he admitted pushing over displays and throwing items around the store because he was “angry,” according to the affidavit.
Gregory was charged with criminal mischief, causing a business interruption. He is being held in the Lake County Jail on $2,000 bond.
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Our Editor-in-Chief, Marilyn M. Aciego, began writing for Lake Legal News in 2010. Born and raised in Lake County, she is a graduate of Umatilla High School and Lake-Sumter State College. She started her journalism career at LSSC, where she was editor of both student publications, The Angler and The Odyssey. Her professional career began at the Daily Commercial in 2004 where she covered cops and courts the majority of her time there until she left in 2009. Currently, along with being Editor-in-Chief of Lake Legal News, she is the Florida bureau chief for an international media organization. She has made more than two dozen appearances on live national television, including Nancy Grace and the Greta Van Susteren show, along with her appearance on Evil Twins. Contact her with breaking news, tips, and feedback by sending an e-mail to 352Tips@gmail.com. You can also contact us on our Facebook page — and make sure you “Like” and “Follow us” there. [PHOTO CREDIT: Bonnie Whicher]
