On August 28th at 2:57 p.m., the Lander Police Department responded to a Main Street business where a fight had broken out between two males. One individual had a baseball bat, the other had a handgun.
Before LPD officers arrived, the subject with the bat had left the business. That subject was later identified as John “Jimmy” Applegate. The subject who drew the gun was the owner of the business where the event took place.
Upon investigation, the business owner told police that he had been “having problems” with Applegate. While he was working, Applegate entered the store with the bat and accused the owner of “poisoning his dog.” The man told Applegate to leave the store. He said that’s when John held the baseball bat in a threatening manner. At that point, the store owner drew a handgun and pointed it at Applegate. After the gun was drawn, he left the store.
5 minutes later, however, he returned with the bat. The store owner once again drew his gun and walked Applegate out of the building at gunpoint. John entered his vehicle at that point. According to witnesses, when Applegate took off, he attempted to “run over (owner) by swerving towards him.” They also stated that Applegate tried to “back up a few times, trying to hit him.” According to court documents, at one point the store owner hid behind a pole for protection from the vehicle.
Applegate was located by police officers a short time later and admitted the confrontation. He was then placed under arrest. He explained that the two had had previous arguments.
On September 18th Applegate waived his preliminary hearing and consented to the transfer of this action to District Court.
He is accused of Possession of a Deadly Weapon with Unlawful Intent.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.