Police arrest student in downtown brawl

A student was arrested early Saturday morning outside R.J. Bentley's after he allegedly put an employee of the bar into a headlock and assaulted a police officer near the crowded establishment.

Prince George's County Police arrested Timothy Robertson, 20, of Davidsonville, who is charged with three counts of second-degree assault — two of which are for assaulting a police officer — two counts of disturbing the peace and resisting arrest, according to court records.

District 1 Commander Robert Liberati said police saw Robertson grappling with the employee outside the bar at about 2:15 a.m. It was unclear if the Bentley's employee was a bouncer.

After police told him to stop, Robertson allegedly resisted arrest and punched one officer in the chest, Liberati said. The officer did not sustain serious injuries; it was unclear if the Bentley's employee needed treatment, Liberati said.

Junior family science major Hannah Whiddon said Robertson has been one of her close friends for a number of years. Whiddon said Robertson is a "super nice guy" but wouldn't cower in the face of confrontation.

"He's a big guy. He can hold his own if he wanted to," Whiddon said. "I've just never seen him be that violent before."

Robertson, described in court documents as 6 feet tall and 190 pounds, has no previous criminal history.

"I don't think he's worried about losing a fight," she said. "So if someone confronts him when alcohol is involved, I don't think he's afraid to defend himself. But who knows?"

According to court records, Robertson — who works at Eppley Recreation Center — spent the night in jail and was released on $3,500 bond yesterday. He is scheduled to appear March 4 at Hyattsville District Court.

Saturday morning's fracas drew more than 10 police cars to the intersection of Route 1 and Knox Road, and many students stood outside to observe the commotion. Bentley's employees would not comment that night or yesterday, and Robertson did not return calls or e-mails over the weekend.

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