Amarillo police arrested an 18-year-old man Friday evening after an alleged violent confrontation at Thompson Park led to multiple felony charges, including aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.
According to an arrest report, officers responded around 5:30 p.m. to reports of a weapons incident near parking area 34 at Thompson Park. Dispatchers were told that a man inside a white Lincoln SUV had reportedly pointed a gun at another person and held it near the victim’s head.
When officers arrived at the park, they located the SUV, but no one was inside. A short time later, 18-year-old Kenyontae Rashed Clayton and another individual returned to the vehicle and were detained by police.
Investigators later met with two victims at a nearby Toot’n Totum convenience store near 24th Avenue and Dumas Drive. During their initial inspection of the SUV, officers reportedly observed open alcohol containers in plain view. A subsequent search of the vehicle allegedly uncovered a ziplocked bag containing suspected psychedelic mushrooms inside the center console.
Witness statements included in the report describe a confrontation that began while four individuals were attempting to repair a tire on the SUV. Authorities say the situation escalated when Clayton allegedly became aggressive toward one of the victims.
Police reports indicate witnesses told officers the victim attempted to leave, but Clayton allegedly grabbed her by the hair and forced her back toward the SUV. When another person tried to intervene, investigators say Clayton allegedly produced a firearm, chambered a round, and pointed the weapon at the victim during the altercation.
The second male at the scene reportedly stepped in during the confrontation, giving the victim an opportunity to escape. Investigators say that individual later took possession of the firearm and hid it from Clayton.
Both men agreed to speak with officers, though police noted both appeared intoxicated during questioning. Clayton initially denied involvement in the incident, telling officers he was aware of an argument but was not part of it. The second individual later provided conflicting statements regarding whether a firearm had been involved.
During the booking process, the second suspect reportedly cooperated further with investigators and directed officers to a firearm hidden in the grass nearby.
