A Palm Beach Gardens man is facing multiple charges after police say an afternoon blowup at Swampgrass Willy's came with threats to burn the bar and kill responding officers. The man, identified as 46-year-old Vu Van Nguyen, was detained after officers answered reports of aggressive behavior and a theft at the plaza. Authorities have accused him of several offenses and issued an 18-month trespass from the complex.
Police: Threats escalated
Officers responded Wednesday afternoon to a call about a theft and an unruly patron. Witnesses told detectives the man threw rocks and damaged a nearby vehicle, then refused to identify himself to officers. Police say that during the encounter Nguyen made violent threats and, according to a probable cause affidavit, told officers he would "kill all of y'all." As reported by WPEC, the incident began inside Swampgrass Willy's before spilling out into the plaza.
Nearby restaurant returned the wood
Police say Nguyen also took wood from a neighboring restaurant, Nev's BBQ, then later returned the items, and the restaurant declined to pursue theft charges. Swampgrass Willy's, a long-running bar in the Promenade plaza, drew officers for its role as the scene of the disturbance. For location details, see Swampgrass Willy's and NEVS Barbecue.
Medical evaluation and charges
Nguyen was taken to Palm Beach Gardens Medical Center for evaluation because officers said he appeared highly intoxicated, and investigators say he continued making threats while at the hospital and later again at the police station. He has been accused of two counts of corruption by threat against a public servant, disorderly intoxication, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest without violence, according to the police report. WPEC reports the department handled the matter and issued a trespass from the plaza.
Next steps
The case is now with prosecutors and the allegations remain to be adjudicated in court; the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Local businesses contacted in the wake of the incident did not immediately post statements to their websites about the arrest, and police have not released additional details about any scheduled hearings.
