Mayhem broke out at the Loyall Kwik Mart on Monday, which left Diane Lewis, of Loyall, being charged with numerous offenses. Police said she threw jars of pickles inside the store and managed to throw a jar of pickled pigs feet through a plate glass window. It is alleged that she destroyed merchandise throughout the store.

Kentucky State Police Trooper James Earl Hensley said Lewis was transported to the Harlan ARH Hospital with a cut wound to one of her hands.

“Upon arrival to the scene at approximately 2:30 p.m., we encountered a lady inside the Loyall Kwik Mart who was outraged,” said Hensley. “She was mad over someone in her family being evicted and she apparently took it out on Mr. (James) Howard’s property.”

Howard said Lewis became upset because her son, James C. Lewis, had been banned from any properties belonging to him. He said he had also previously evicted Lewis from some rental property he owned.

After cutting herself from broken jars, blood could be seen across the store on the floor and merchandise.

“She came into the store and starting cussing James saying her grandchildren were crying over their daddy being in jail,” said store manager Diana Kelly. “She picked up jars of pickles and began throwing them at the windows and all over the walls, busting the glass and pickles spewed all over the place. She tried to break all the windows, but only succeeded in breaking one. She then went up and down the isles pulling merchandise to the floor and breaking glass products. She was in a rage knocking everything she could to the floor. She was just out of control — wild. We were very scared during all this. We stayed behind the counter and called the proper authorities. She didn’t stop until the police arrived. We’re just glad no customers were injured during this incident.”

Diane Lewis was treated and released from Harlan ARH Hospital and remained in the custody of Hensley. She was then transported to Harlan County Detention Center and lodged on charges of first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree terroristic threatening, menacing and second-degree disorderly conduct.

James C. Lewis, 32, of Loyall, was arrested on Wednesday by Loyall Police Chief Michael Lunsford on charges of third-degree burglary, possession of burglary tools, second-degree criminal trespassing and third-degree criminal mischief.

According to Lunsford, a complaint was received at approximately 5 p.m. that Lewis entered an empty house on Cedar Street.

Lunsford said he and Harlan City Police Sgt. Mike Boggs found Lewis inside an outbuilding behind the house pulling copper wiring from the ceiling. Additional wire was found already cut and rolled up next to the door. Lunsford also said, a backpack that Lewis was seen entering the premises with was found to contain a hack saw, hammer, screw drivers and wire cutters.

James Lewis has been in the Harlan County Detention Center since the incident.

Trooper Jimmy Halcomb assisted Hensley at the store incident.

Reach Nola Sizemore at 606-573-4510 or at nsizemore@heartlandpublications.com.