By Shawn Henry 
A Louisiana man was arrested in North Carolina on February 14 after authorities said he rammed a deputy’s patrol vehicle and led law enforcement on a multi-agency chase following allegations he made threats against President Donald Trump.
The incident began around 1:30 p.m. when the United States Secret Service contacted the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office to request a welfare check. Authorities reported the agency sought assistance after the man allegedly made threats toward the president. A deputy located the suspect driving and attempted an investigative traffic stop. During that encounter, the man allegedly struck the deputy’s patrol car while the officer was still inside and then fled onto the highway.
Shortly afterward, an Alexander County deputy spotted the vehicle on Highway 16. When the driver failed to stop, deputies initiated a pursuit. Authorities reported the suspect was driving recklessly and traveling more than 15 miles per hour above the posted speed limit. The chase ended when the man 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.
Following the arrest, the Gaston County Police Department’s Hazardous Device Unit responded to examine the vehicle amid concerns about a possible explosive device. Investigators determined there was no bomb inside the car.
Police charged the man with 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 announced whether federal charges related to the alleged threats will be filed. The suspect remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Eve Nowell