
An early morning workout at Planet Fitness in Manteca became the scene of an altercation yesterday, when a situation unfolded that required police intervention. According to a Facebook post by the Manteca Police Department, at 4:29 a.m., officers responded to the gym after receiving reports of an incident involving a male non-member and a female gym attendee.
The authorities identified the suspect as Trumaine Lavel Walden, a 41-year-old transient who allegedly grabbed a woman by the hair. Gym members acted promptly, subduing Walden until the police arrived, after which he was arrested for battery and a probation violation. While it was initially reported that Walden might have been armed with a machete, it was soon discovered the object was, in fact, a rubber/plastic toy, an imitation weapon designed to light up.
This event brings to light the challenges posed by such imitation arms, which in the heat of the moment can be easily mistaken for real, dangerous weapons. The Manteca Police Department emphasized the concern around these replicas and the potential they have to escalate situations unnecessarily.
The false alarm caused by the toy weapon has not undercut the seriousness of the charges faced by Walden, nor the quick actions of those present who intervened. The police are continuing their investigation into the event and have called on anyone with additional information to come forward and contact the Manteca Police Department at 209-456-8101.