Peoria car salesman clashes with pickets, gets arrested

Pickets are alleging that a car salesman assaulted them in front of Power Chevrolet-Arrowhead in Peoria as they carried signs denouncing Nissan's handling of a recall problem.

The pickets are making the rounds of Valley auto dealerships, including those owned by AutoNation, like Power.

Peoria police have forwarded the incident to city prosecutors for possible charges against the Chevrolet employee, who was arrested.

“The case is under review and a decision has not been made,” said Sherine Zaya, city spokeswoman.

Zaya said prosecutors hadn't indicated when they would complete their review.

“On the day of the attack, we had been there from 9:30 (a.m.) to 2 (p.m.) without any incidents,” said Chris Caplanis of Black Canyon City. “We were 30 minutes from leaving when the guy came through the line.”

Caplanis, a plumber, and fellow protester Debra Wescott, also of Black Canyon City, claim that salesman Max Cohen charged and pushed both of them on Sept. 21. Three Black Canyon City teens, ages 14, 15 and 16, also took part in the picketing.

“There were no profanities or threats,” said Wescott, a medical assistant who is having problems with her 2006 Nissan Altima. “We didn't impede anybody, we didn't shout at anybody or stop any sales.”

Wescott said they have faced harassment by employees at other dealerships.

Cohen told police that Caplanis and Wescott were yelling and scaring off potential car buyers. Upset, he made a cardboard sign that read, “I am with Dumb and Dumber,” and went to the sidewalk. After putting his sign up, he said, he began walking toward the pickets.

Cohen, in the police report, claims he tripped over the pickets' ice chest on the sidewalk and then was pushed, losing his balance and falling into the two victims. His version was supported by two fellow employees.

Officer Michael Lesher viewed a video shot by Wescott of the incident and said in his report, “I observed Max swing his right arm with a closed fist toward Chris. I cannot tell if impact is made with the closed fist. Max then laughs and walks away.

“It appears in the video Max charged through the group, and at a fast pace. With Max being (the) larger male, he collided with Debra Wescott. I cannot tell if Max tripped or was pushed.”

The officer also noted that the ice chest, which blocked almost half of the sidewalk, did not appear to have been moved or disturbed during the incident.

Lesher said he informed Cohen that the whole incident was on tape but that Cohen did not change his story.

In the meantime, both Caplanis and Wescott plan to return this Saturday and Sunday to the Peoria dealership with signs in hand.