photo by: Journal-World File Photo

In this file photo from Aug. 4, 2020, a Lawrence Police Department patrol vehicle is pictured outside the Douglas County Judicial and Law Enforcement Center.

Lawrence police arrested a 19-year-old man after he allegedly cut an employee of Casey’s General Store with a knife Tuesday evening, according to a department spokesperson.

Officers were dispatched to the store, 1703 W. Sixth St., around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, Patrick Compton, LPD spokesperson, said via email Wednesday. The man had reportedly entered the store, grabbed an employee and cut the employee with a knife, Compton said.

When officers arrived, they found the man being restrained by another employee of the business, Compton said. She was able to grab the man, disarm him and detain him until officers arrived, but the man attempted to flee from officers before being taken into custody, Compton said.

The alleged victim was treated at the scene and didn’t require further care, Compton said.

“At this time, the motive behind this incident remains unclear,” Compton said Wednesday morning.

The man was arrested on suspicion of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated battery and interference with law enforcement, according to the Douglas County Jail booking log.

At a first appearance in court Wednesday afternoon, Marcus Logan Cassella, of Lawrence, was charged with aggravated battery and interference with law enforcement, both felonies, in connection with the incident. Judge Pro Tem James George granted Cassella an $8,000 own-recognizance bond, and he is not to return to Casey’s or to have contact with any alleged victims or witnesses.