A man was released hours after being arrested for being under the influence while threatening people with a knife in Newhall last week.

Around 5:30 p.m. Thursday Feb. 3, deputies responded to Bonanza Liquor Market in the 24300 block of Main Street in Newhall regarding a person with a knife call for service, said Deputy Natalie Arriaga, spokesperson for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.  

“It was reported a male adult was holding a knife in his hand and was standing outside the location, threatening customers with the knife in hand,” Arriaga said.  

Upon arrival, a male matching the suspect description was detained, according to Arriaga. 

“A pocket knife was located on the male during a search, as well as a bottle of alcohol,” Arriaga said.  

During the investigation, deputies learned when the man entered the store he was denied sale of alcohol, and he became upset, according to Sheriff’s officials.  

“The suspect attempted to punch an employee during a verbal argument,” Arriaga said. “The suspect also reportedly engaged in a physical altercation with another employee after being told to leave.” 

A short period later the altercation ended, and the employees re-entered the store.  

“The suspect remained outside the location and displayed a knife in hand while swinging it from side to side,” Arriaga said. 

While speaking with the suspect, deputies detected a strong odor of alcohol emitting from his person.  

Omar Gurierrez Carril, 40, from Canyon Country, was arrested for brandishing a deadly weapon and being drunk in public, both misdemeanors, Arriaga added. 

The suspect was booked into the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station jail and subsequently released on a citation to appear in court in several days.

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