A man has been arrested after allegedly punching a Salvation Army Bell ringer – and a medal-winning discus thrower – at the Cortez City Market grocery store.
Chris Lehi was arrested near the entrance of the City Market at 4:22 p.m., Monday, Dec. 22.
According to a police report, witnesses told police that local Salvation Army officer Mel Heath asked the man, identified as Chris Lehi, to leave because he was causing problems. That is when Lehi started “puffing up” and got into Heath’s face, a witness told police. Lehi then allegedly flipped off Heath off and punched him in the face. Heath then took Lehi to the ground and held him there until the police arrived, according to the report.
Heath reportedly told officers that he just wanted Lehi to spend a night in jail. Heath eventually agreed to press charges.
Lehi was issued a summons for disturbing the peace, police said. As of Dec. 29, Lehi was in custody at the Montezuma County jail with a $500 bond.
Heath, 81, a longtime Dolores resident, won a gold medal in the discus throw during the Huntsman World Senior Games on Oct. 8 in St. George, Utah.
Heath’s throw broke the Games record of 98 feet, which was set in 1992. The throw also placed him at the top of the World Masters Rankings among discus throwers in his age division.
Heath also placed first in the shot put at this year’s Games with a throw of 32 feet, 10½ inches. The shot put event was held on Oct. 6.
More than 10,600 athletes competed in this year’s Games, which are open to individuals over the age of 50.