Man arrested after video of shouting racial slurs at a Food Lion employee goes viral

The manager at this Food Lion store said he called 911 as soon as 41-year-old Eric Cahoon walked through the door.

Cahoon's rant went on for some time. At one point, customers with shopping carts and fellow employees got between Cahoon and the Food Lion employee.

Man arrested after racist language used toward Food Lion employee in Hope Mills

Cahoon continued his racial rant and followed the employee into the back of the store. He eventually left, but was arrested Monday after a video of the incident gained attention on social media.

He faces several charges, including disorderly conduct and ethnic intimidation.

Billy West, the Cumberland County District Attorney, said, "Certainly, in this day and age, we've got to take these sort of things seriously."

West said this was an explosive situation that could have gotten worse if the Food Lion employee didn't show great restraint.

"The employee handled this situation very well. The employer, the Food Lion, handled very well. As well as the Hope Mills Police Department. So it's certainly a situation that could have escalated and been much worse," he said.

The Food Lion manager says Cahoon may have been intoxicated.

The Hope Mills Police Chief says when he was being booked, he said he didn't remember using any racial slurs.

Cahoon remains locked in the Cumberland County Detention Center, with his bond set at one thousand dollars.