Employees Startled By Intruder

Two employees at Pigout BBQ on North Williams Street received a scare Saturday night when a man came into the restaurant through the back door while the employees were cleaning up after the restaurant closed.
According to a Hazlehurst Police Department incident report, officers were dispatched to Pigout just after 9 p.m. in reference to a black male breaking in on the employees. Officer Chace Swinson-McClendon and Sgt. Melissa Luke arrived at the scene and were told by an employee outside the building the man was still inside the restaurant. Also responding were Jeff Davis Sheriff’s Deputies Chris Booker and Brad Wooten.
Officers went into the restaurant and arrested Gary Canty who was pouring sweat and appeared to be on some sort of narcotics, the report said, adding he stated he just wanted somebody to vent to.
Employee Joni Lewis told officers she was in the back of the kitchen and Canty came inside as they were cleaning up after closing and grabbed her around the arm to move her out of the way.
Lauren Griffin told officers she was behind the counter working when Canty came in behind her and grabbed her by the arm also.
According to the report, Canty kicked a swinging door causing damage to the door.
Hazlehurst Police Chief Ken Williams said the incident is still under investigation but expected Canty to be charged with burglary, false imprisonment and criminal trespassing.