Man accused of harassing customers, assaulting employees at different businesses in Davidson County

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — A man accused of harassing customers and assaulting employees at different businesses in Davidson County has been taken into custody.

The Metro Nashville Police Department (MNPD) said the incidents unfolded on Wednesday, Nov. 13 after officers received multiple calls throughout night regarding 30-year-old Javon Erwin.

According to an arrest report, Erwin entered a restaurant earlier in the day, walked straight to an area where customers are not allowed and pushed an employee, telling her "I want that whoopin!"

The victim took a picture of Erwin and told officers that he was wearing a Wendy's shirt and blue jeans. MNPD said Erwin left the restaurant and then went to other local businesses where he continued to harass customers and employees.

A couple hours after that incident, police said they received multiple calls about a man who was standing in the middle of traffic yelling, forcing vehicles to swerve to avoid hitting him. However, police said they were unable to find the man.

Then, approximately an hour later, MNPD was advised about an assault that occurred at a store involving a man who was wearing a Wendy's shirt and blue jeans.

When officers arrived at the scene, they reportedly found two people holding Erwin down. He was then placed into custody and "refused to speak with officers and would not identify himself," officials said.

However, a witness told police that he was leaving a restaurant next door to the store when he saw Erwin assaulting the store's manager. The witness and store manager reportedly sustained cuts and bruises as they were attempting to restrain Erwin.

Due to obvious swelling on the store manager's face, an ambulance was called to the scene. The store manager allegedly told police that Erwin entered the store, yelled that he was "seeing dragons," and began attacking him for no reason.

At some point during the assault, Erwin is accused of wrapping his hands around the manager's neck, strangling him. Then, the 30-year-old began to throw punches, which is when the witness entered the store to help the manager.

According to an arrest report, video footage of the incident supported the witness and store manager's account of events.

Multiple people reportedly told officers that they believed Erwin was on some sort of illegal substance. However, police said "due to his unwillingness to cooperate with officers, they could not determine what Erwin may have taken."

Erwin was taken to the emergency room and later booked in Metro Jail. He was charged with aggravated assault-Strangulation, assault and public intoxication.

Court records show the 30-year-old is being held on a $22,000 bond.