** NEWS  RELEASE **

 Mammoth Lakes Man Arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapo

Christopher Alderfer

Christopher Alderfer

On Saturday, January 4 at approximately 11:40 p.m., Mammoth Lakes Police Officers responded to a call of an intoxicated man swinging a hatchet at patrons at The Tap bar located on Main Street.  When the first officer arrived, several people pointed to Christopher Alderfer, age 32, of Mammoth Lakes.  Alderfer was taken into custody without incident.

The officers’ investigation determined that Alderfer attempted to take a pitcher of beer outside the bar.  He was told several times by a security guard he could not do so.  At one point, Alderfer tried to physically force his way past the security guard to get the pitcher of beer outside.

Alderfer told the security guard ‘I’ll be right back!” and exited the bar.  He returned a short time later carrying a hatchet which he swung at the security guard and then began swinging it in a figure 8 in front of his body.  Alderfer threatened to kill the security officer as he swung the hatchet at him from approximately 3 feet away.  The security guard was able to avoid being struck.  Alderfer returned the hatchet to his vehicle before officers arrived.

Witnesses supported the security guard’s explanation and one overheard Alderfer say that the hatchet was a “throwing axe.”  Witnesses also described Alderfer threatening to thrown the axe at them.

Officers located the 15 inch hatchet.  Alderfer submitted to a breath test which showed his blood alcohol level was .26.  Alderfer was arrested and booked at Mono County Jail for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Exhibiting a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Threats, and Plain Drunk.

 

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