On February 13th at 4:11 p.m. Riverton Police were dispatched to the area of N. 7th East and East Jackson Avenue for a report of a male with a knife, chasing another male.
After authorities arrived, the man who was being chased described to police that he had seen 37-year-old Beneito Roman in a liquor store parking lot earlier that day. The two knew each other, and began arguing about an incident that happened previously in the week. He told authorities that during that incident Roman presented a gun and threatened the man’s family.
Court documents show the man pushed Roman to, “get out of his personal space” in the parking lot. At that point, Roman pulled a knife out of his pocket.
A foot chase ensued for a total of 2,307 feet. During the chase, Roman brandished the knife and raised it above his head, holding it in a stabbing motion. Roman shouted at the man, “I’m going to get you” and called him a “snitch.”
A witness at a nearby bank confirmed seeing the chase and attempted assault to RPD officers.
As RPD officers attempted to place Roman under arrest, documents show that he lied multiple times about his identity before admitting his name was indeed Beneito Roman. He also denied having a knife in his possession, despite one being located on the ground approximately 5 feet from where he was arrested.
Roman is currently charged with one count of aggravated assault and battery, one count of reckless endangering, and one count of interference with a peace officer. The assault and battery charge is punishable by up to 10 years of imprisonment. Reckless endangering is punishable by up to 1 year of imprisonment, and interference with a peace officer is also punishable by up to 1 year of imprisonment.
On February 28th, Roman waived his preliminary hearing. It will be transferred to District Court for arraignment at a later date.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.