Police arrest armed man wearing bulletproof vest inside local Walmart

Monroe police arrested someone Monday who was armed at the Walmart on West Roosevelt Boulevard.

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Someone called 911 at about 1 p.m. to say there was a man wearing body armor and armed with a long rifle who was walking into the grocery entrance of the Walmart.

Moja Kemet Estep, 32, of Monroe, was wearing a bulletproof vest, carrying an assault-type rifle, and two handguns, police said.

He was detained without further incident. A shopper videotaped the arrest. See an image of the arrest below.

“It appears this person had more than one gun and so sometimes that can be scary to people,” said Vicki Foster, a former assistant chief with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.

Foster said she understands the police response and public concern over the incident.

“They also had a long gun. which is different from having a pistol,” she said.

People should always call 911 if they feel threatened or their safety is at risk, Foster said.

On social media, some have questioned why Estep was arrested since North Carolina has open carry laws.

Foster points out Walmart does not allow weapons.

“Individual stores can decide whether they want people to open carry within their stores or not and they are within their right to do so,” Foster said.

The UNC School of Government states that you are typically charged with it when you are armed with an unusual and dangerous weapon for terrifying others.

Estep was arrested and taken to the Union County Jail where he was charged with going armed to the terror of the people.

A secured bond was set at $5,000.

There was no danger to the public.

The investigation is ongoing.

No further information was released.

This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.