A Mount Airy man is arrested, charged with assault with a gun

A 23-year-old Mount Airy resident was arrested in Statesville after pointing a gun at two individuals before fleeing police on May 5.

Officers with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Department were summoned to a local rodeo that Sunday evening after the man reportedly pointed his gun in the direction of two attendees. They apparently identified who they believed was responsible for having done that. Officers located the man’s vehicle and found him inside.

The officers approached the man’s car in an attempt to question about the incident, but he refused to answer their questions. He instead took off in his vehicle in the direction of Redemption Road. His car left the roadway and crashed into a fence. His vehicle then rolled over after colliding with a tree. He exited his car and took off on foot.

Deputies were forced to track the man with the help of their K9 unit. They ultimately found him in a nearby field. Officers shouted orders but the man reportedly didn’t obey their commands. They soon were able to place him under arrest.

They initially transported him to Iredell Memorial Hospital to be checked to see if he was injured. He was later booked into the county jail on two counts of misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun and one misdemeanor resisting a public office charge. He is also facing a felony assault with a deadly weapon on a government official count as well. He remains jailed on a $75,000 secured bond.

This wasn’t this defendant’s first run-in with the law either. The sheriff’s department spokesperson notes that the defendant has previously been charged with several traffic offenses as well as marijuana possession.

North Carolina prosecutors and judges don’t look too fondly upon those accused of weapons crimes, especially if they are directed at law enforcement officers. A competent and experienced criminal defense attorney can advise you of your rights if you’re hoping for the best outcome in your assault case.