LMPD :: Louisville Metro Police Department
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Man arrested in Louisville Arby's after refusing to cover gun, police say

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Police say a man caused alarm among Arby's customers Saturday afternoon when he showed up at the restaurant with a gun and refused to cover it up, despite an officer's demands.

It happened at the Arby's on Crittenden Drive, near Central Avenue, just before 1:30 Saturday afternoon.

Police say 21-year-old Bennett Helms walked into the Arby's with an "exposed" handgun on his hip.

An officer who was inside saw the gun and told Helms, "You may need to cover that up."

Helms allegedly responded, "I don't need to."

Police say the officer asked Helms if he was a police officer, and he said no. Unconcealed firearms are not allowed inside the restaurant, according to an employee of the Arby's.

While the officer was confronting Helms -- who refused to put the gun away -- police say the suspect's aunt and mother walked into the restaurant and stood between Helms and the officer, and began arguing with the officer. The disturbance caused "alarm" among customers inside the restaurant, according to police.

Police say at least one Army National Guard member was on hand and assisted the officer in placing Helms in custody.

Helms was arrested and charged with menacing and disorderly conduct.