Man arrested for unlawful display of a firearm inside Copperas Cove H-E-B Plus!

By LYNETTE SOWELL 
Cove Leader-Press 

A man was arrested on Jan. 16 in connection with a Jan. 12 incident at Copperas Cove H-E-B Plus!, when two other customers called police and complained that he displayed a firearm at them while inside the store. 
Upon the officers’ arrival at the store, dispatchers told police that James Michael Wilson was waiting in line to check out and that he had a gun on his right hip. According to the arrest affidavit, the officer asked Wilson if he was armed, to which Wilson replied that he was. Wilson was found to have a Glock 43X pistol on his right hip that was loaded with a round in the chamber.
Wilson told police that he was rounding an aisle in the store and he had to squeeze past a lady who was looking at the yogurt. Wilson told police that he must have walked too close to her because her husband yelled “watch where you’re going.” Wilson said he continued to walk away, the husband began to approach him, saying “I should kick your ass.” 
Wilson admitted to placing his hand on his firearm but said he did not pull it out of his holster. 
He mentioned the female said, “Don’t worry about it, we got guns too” then told him to “go on.” 
The officer said Wilson was read his Miranda warning, which he waived, and Wilson recounted his story again. The couple who made the complaint were interviewed by another officer, and they said that Wilson made his firearm visible and pulled it from its secured position in the holster. 
While H-E-B permits concealed carry of handguns by licenses individuals in its stores, it has posted signs at the entrances that state the open carry of a weapon is not permitted. 
“Pursuant to Section 30.05, Penal Code (criminal trespass), a person may not enter H-E-B property with a firearm, unless it is a handgun and the person is licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law),” said Chelsea Fletcher, H-E-B Public Affairs North Texas. 
“At H-E-B, creating the best shopping experience for Texas families is our top priority. H-E-B has always required licensed gun owners to conceal their handguns in our store. We are working with local law enforcement regarding this incident.”
The charge of disorderly conduct - discharge/display firearm is a Class B misdemeanor.