Mike Olson, a Minnesota LA Fitness assistant manager, reportedly tackled a man that drew a gun in his gym because members weren’t wearing masks while exercising.
The confrontation began Thursday when Michael M. Florhaug, 64, complained about the lack of masks to a gym employee, the Star Tribune reported. Olson reportedly stepped in, explaining that the gym did not have enough staff to enforce masks, and asked Florhaug, who was not a gym member, to leave.
A Maplewood fitness club manager tackled and disarmed a man who pointed a gun at the manager while complaining that members were exercising without masks, prosecutors said. https://t.co/WurQ9A18pD
— Star Tribune (@StarTribune) January 4, 2021
Florhaug told Olsen that he intended to photograph members who were not wearing masks and Olson put his hands up to stop Florhaug, who then pointed a gun at him, according to the Star Tribune. Olson reportedly moved away while Florhaug put the gun in his pocket and walked toward the front of the fitness center. (RELATED: New Jersey Gym Owners Arrested After Defying COVID order)
Olson tackled Florhaug from behind and took the gun, according to the Star Tribune.
Olson stated Monday that he “just kind of knew that it had to be done. It didn’t take much thinking. It was more of a reaction,” the Star Tribune reported. Olson credited his swift reaction to the four years he spent in the Army, adding that his time in Baghdad “was definitely more dangerous” than his confrontation with Florhaug.
Florhaug was arrested and charged with assault in Ramsey County District Court after the incident. Florhaug remains jailed until his court appearance Tuesday, the Star Tribune reported.