CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - An Iredell County deputy attempting to
pick up a pre-purchased engagement ring from a Kay Jewelers Tuesday was turned
away because his uniform, which contained a service weapon, didn't meet store
policy, officials say.
The uniformed deputy used his
lunch break to pick up an engagement ring at Kay's on Turnersburg Highway in
Statesville. The deputy had already paid for the ring and was informed by
jewelers that the ring was sized and ready for pick up.
The deputy says when he got to the store, he was told he wasn't
allowed to wear his service weapon on their premises.
The sheriff says the deputy
spoke with the manager, telling them he was in uniform and his marked patrol
car was in the parking lot. He said it would be a violation of policy to remove
his service weapon while in uniform.
"This policy is in place
for not only the safety of the deputy, but the general public as well,"
the sheriff's office said, backing the deputy's claims.
According to the deputy, the
manager told him he would need to return to the store when he was not armed.
"The reaction our deputy
encountered is very difficult for us to comprehend, and we earnestly hope
situations such as these are few and are diminishing," the sheriff's
office posted on Facebook.
Kay Jewelers responded on Facebook, saying they "sincerely
apologize for the mishandling of this matter." The business said they were
in the process of reaching out to the deputy involved.
"We have tremendous
respect for law enforcement, and we thank the Office for bringing this to our
attention. We will be sure to reinforce store training regarding our firearm
policy with specific regard to uniformed law enforcement," Kay's posted.
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