Police: Man staying at hotel robbed employee, locked himself in nearby bathroom

CENTRALIA -- Police arrested a man who allegedly pushed a hotel staff member to the ground, robbed her and then locked himself in a gas station bathroom next door.

According to the Centralia Police Department, an unidentified man staying at a hotel in the 1200 block of Alder Street was acting "strangely" so he was contacted by a staff member. The man pushed the employee to the ground, police said, stole her phone and ran off. Other staff were so scared, they allegedly hid while calling police.

Police arriving on the scene were advised that the man ran to a gas station next door. The man, who allegedly robbed the gas station as well, locked himself in a nearby bathroom. As police went to arrest the suspect, he allegedly burst out of the bathroom door, knocking a person to the ground.

Officers fought and subdued the suspect with a Taser, police said. However, during the struggle one officer suffered minor injuries.

The suspect was arrested into jail and booked on robbery, burglary, assault and possession of meth. He is being held in Lewis County Jail.