A Louisiana man is in custody after authorities say he rammed a deputy’s patrol car and led law enforcement on a multi-agency chase through North Carolina on February 14, following reports that he had made threats against President Donald Trump.
A Welfare Check That Escalated Fast
The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when the U.S. Secret Service contacted the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office requesting a welfare check, after the agency said the man had allegedly made threats toward the president. A deputy located the man driving and attempted an investigative stop. According to authorities, that’s when the encounter turned dangerous: the man allegedly struck the deputy’s patrol car while the officer was still inside, then fled onto the highway.
The Chase Across County Lines
An Alexander County deputy soon spotted the vehicle on Highway 16, and when the driver refused to stop, deputies started a pursuit. Authorities say the man drove recklessly, exceeding the posted speed limit by more than 15 mph as multiple agencies joined the chase. It ended when he pulled into the parking lot of First Baptist Church in Taylorsville. After a brief standoff, he exited the vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident.
Bomb Squad Response and Charges Filed
Given the nature of the alleged threats, the Gaston County Police Department’s Hazardous Device Unit responded after the arrest to examine the vehicle for a possible explosive device. Investigators determined there was no bomb inside the car.
The man faces charges of assault on a government official, resisting arrest, failure to stop for blue light and siren, and fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle. Authorities have not said whether federal charges related to the alleged threats against the president will follow. He remains in custody as the investigation continues, and as with any pending case, the charges represent accusations that have not yet been proven in court.