Dine-and-dashers caught by staff, allegedly threatened with gun

Two workers from a Colorado establishment have been detained and are facing assault allegations after reportedly confronting a pair of guests they believed skipped on a $100 bill.

Fraser, Colo., locals Ezequiel Villa Penaloza, 50, and Juan Narvaez Castro, 23, were booked on felony charges of second-degree assault-strangulation after allegedly trailing the patrons, a man and woman, out of the restaurant and threatening them with a firearm, according to a release from the Fraser Winter Park Police Department.

On Sunday (February 1), the diners, whose identities have not been disclosed, ordered $100 of food and reportedly departed without paying, police noted.

Law enforcement suggests that Penaloza and Castro shadowed the pair onto a bus at Murdoch’s Ranch and Home Supply. 

They then allegedly confronted the duo when they alighted at a Stop and Save convenience location, as per authorities.

Penazola, also charged with felony menacing, allegedly displayed a gun and directed it towards the two individuals, while Castro purportedly subdued the male in a chokehold, reported KDVR.

The pair accused of leaving the restaurant, which remains unnamed, were charged with petty theft and breaching a protection order, police indicated.

"All involved are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law," the Fraser Winter Park Police Department stated in their social media post. "Ensuring community safety is our highest concern."