A George man has been arrested on a warrant for felony charges stemming from an incident at a local bar late last month.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Lyon County, 58-year-old Craig Geerdes is accused of violating a long-standing ban from a George tavern and threatening its manager on December 29th. Geerdes was taken into custody on the warrant on Wednesday.
The complaint states that Geerdes entered the Last Call Saloon around noon. The bar’s manager, Lucius Johnson, told deputies that Geerdes had been banned from the establishment for several years and was instructed to leave. Geerdes reportedly left but returned around 1:10 p.m. and was again told to leave or law enforcement would be contacted.
Authorities say Geerdes then went to his vehicle, retrieved a .410 shotgun, returned to the bar, and pointed the weapon at Johnson, allegedly threatening to shoot him. After a brief exchange, Geerdes left the building. Deputies report he then fired the shotgun into the sidewalk outside the bar before driving away.
According to the complaint, Geerdes later told deputies that the two shells in the shotgun were intended for Johnson and himself. He allegedly made conflicting statements, saying both that he “should have done it” and that he “was never going to do it.”
Geerdes is charged with going armed with intent and assault while participating in a felony, both Class D felonies. He also faces misdemeanor charges, including assault while participating in a felony and possession or carrying of dangerous weapons while under the influence. If convicted on the felony counts, he could face up to five years in prison on each charge.
Geerdes is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on January 16th. He was booked into the Lyon County Jail and was released the following day after posting a $6,000 signature bond.
