A city man was arrested outside Raxx billiard bar after allegedly pulling a hunting knife on the bar manager and several patrons Wednesday night.
Police say Brian Royer, 31, of Manchester, injured himself while resisting arrest, requiring medical treatment before he was returned to police headquarters where he was charged with: disorderly conduct, resisting arrest or detention, possession of weapon by a felon (a felony), reckless conduct (felony) and violation of bail.
According to a police narrative of the incident, about 11:30 p.m. Manchester Police officers Clifford Ellston and Tom Whelan answered a call to Raxx, 1195 Elm St., to deal with a disorderly patron who had allegedly assaulted the nightclub manager. Royer was armed with a knife during an argument with bar manager Michael Desrochers.
Police say Royer broke a beer bottle on a pool table and was subsequently asked to leave the bar. It was at this time Royer allegedly pulled out his hunting knife and waved it in the direction of Derochers. Royer finally placed the knife in the sheath and was then confronted by Desrochers, as he was attempting to convince Royer to leave the premises.
A brief struggle ensued and Desrochers stated he was struck in the face by Royer before he left the bar. Royer fled on foot and was located a short distance away by the responding officers. The officers approached Royer and observed him sitting on the ground behind the bar. Royer refused to be taken into custody and continued what police described as “outlandish behavior.”
The officers managed to position Royer to his stomach from a seated position in an effort to place him into custody. As they handcuffed him, Royer repeatedly slammed his own head into the pavement as multiple bystanders watched his actions. Royer required medical attention and was treated for a laceration, then brought back to MPD headquarters for booking.
