On June 19 around 8 PM, Minden police officers responded to an active fight at a Wendy’s restaurant located in the 400 block of Homer Road. Upon arrival, officers were let into the locked restaurant by a bystander and observed a male, later identified as Byron Fizer, 34, of Dubberly, speaking loudly and erratically to other employees, pushing some away as they attempted to calm him down.
Officers positioned themselves behind the front counter to make contact with Fizer, who was unaware of their presence. He was given several loud verbal commands to step outside and talk, which he eventually complied with. Outside, during the field interview, Fizer’s speech remained erratic, and he rambled about random topics without forming complete sentences, making the interview unproductive.
During this time, one of the officers spoke with the restaurant manager, who stated she did not want to press charges and only wanted to send Fizer home for the day. Officers advised Fizer he would be frisked for weapons and sent home due to his behavior. However, Fizer began reaching into his pockets, pulling out random items and clutching an unknown item in his left hand. He was given loud verbal commands to release it but refused and backed away, raising his right hand with what appeared to be a used glass pipe.
Officers gave loud verbal commands for Fizer to turn around and place his hands behind his back. Fizer refused, resisted, and threw the glass pipe. During a brief altercation, both Fizer and an officer fell to the ground. Fizer slapped the officer’s arms, leading another officer to drive-stun Fizer in the left rib cage with a Taser. Despite this, Fizer continued his resistive behavior and was drive-stunned again before being effectively detained. He was then placed in a patrol unit and transported to the Minden Police Department for booking.
Fizer was charged with two counts of resisting arrest with force or violence and one count of battery of a police officer.
All subjects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.