A Hopewell man is facing several charges after police say he fired a flare gun inside a Colonial Heights bar and later assaulted an officer while trying to escape custody.
Police say they were called to Benny's Tavern on the Boulevard shortly after 5 a.m. on November 27 after 38-year-old Billy Ray David allegedly fired a flare gun inside the restaurant, causing fire damage to the building.
David fled before officers arrived on scene.
After he was later identified by Colonial Heights investigators, David was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and Hopewell Police Department. Once in custody, police say David attempted to escape.
He's been charged with robbery, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, arson, possession of a firearm by a felon, escape, assault on a law enforcement officer, felony larceny and obstruction.