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Man Refusing To Pay Bill Threatens Restaurant Manager, Hits Cop In Groin, Darien Police Say

A verbally abusive customer at a Fairfield County restaurant doubled down and returned just hours after he refused to pay his bill and was arrested for breaching the peace and assaulting an officer, police said.

Andrew Herz

Andrew Herz

Photo Credit: Darien Police Department
The Goose American Bistro & Bar in Darien

The Goose American Bistro & Bar in Darien

Photo Credit: Google Maps

Officers from the Darien Police Department were dispatched to the Goose American Bistro & Bar on Boston Post Road at approximately 9 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, where there was a report of an unruly customer who refused to pay his bill.

Police said that Greenwich resident Andrew Herz, 57, had eaten dinner with another person and was refusing to pay the bill. 

When the manager attempted to make arrangements with Herz to ensure eventual payment, Herz allegedly began to make threatening comments, and when told the police were being called, Herz became more outspoken and abusive, said police.

According to police, responding officers attempted to make arrangements with Herz to pay the bill, but he continued to be “unreasonable and verbally abusive.” When told he was going to be arrested, Herz resisted, “causing a commotion in the restaurant.”

During the struggle attempting to take him into custody, Herz allegedly struck an officer in the groin while resisting, said police. 

Herz was arrested and charged with:

  • sixth-degree larceny,
  • interfering with an officer/simple assault,
  • breach of peace,
  • and threatening. 

He was released and issued an appearance ticket to show up in court on Tuesday, March 3.

After being released, it is further alleged that Herz returned to the restaurant less than three hours later at approximately 11:40 p.m. on the night of his arrest.

Police said that officers found Herz on the sidewalk outside the restaurant, arguing with employees. 

Herz stated that after being released from custody, he returned to the restaurant to retrieve his car keys and other personal belongings, none of which were inside the building, police said.

While arguing with the employees, Herz allegedly became verbally abusive once more and spit on two of them, said police. He also threw rocks at the window of the restaurant, which was witnessed by a patron.

Herz denied the allegations, police said. 

He was issued a misdemeanor summons for breach of peace at the scene and scheduled to appear in court on March 3.

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