Johnson City police arrested a man early Sunday morning on charges that he assaulted and robbed a customer outside a downtown restaurant.
Keanest Whitson, 35, 1211 King Spings Road, was arrested following the incident at Mid City Grill, 106 Commerce St.
Police were called to the restaurant just before 4 a.m. on a report that a patron had been robbed in the parking lot.
According to the incident report, Stephen Brobeck, 31, had gone outside the restaurant to get money for his meal when he was called over by Whitson, who reportedly punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground.
Police said Whitson then demanded money, and Brobeck gave him $70 in cash.
Brobeck reportedly told police Whitson left the area with two other men before attempting to leave in a silver van.
While backing out, the van got stuck in some mud and two of the three men got out to push it as police arrived, according to the report.
Brobeck identified Whitson as his attacker, and police found $70 in Whitson’s pocket.
Police said Whitson also had a bruise on his right hand and mud on his shoes and shorts from trying to push the van out of the mud.
Charged with robbery, Whitson was jailed in the Washington County Detention Center on $50,000 bond.