Multiple law enforcement agencies are investigating an incident that occurred over the weekend in Alexander County. Alexander County Sheriff’s Deputies along with the North Carolina Highway Patrol were alerted on Saturday (February 18) at approximately 9:45 p.m. regarding a long line of vehicles that were heading out of Hickory and about to cross the NC Highway 127 bridge into the Bethlehem Community.

The vehicles blocked the intersection of Highway 127 and Rink Dam Road according to Alexander County Sheriff Chad Pennell. Deputies responded and one officer pursued a vehicle that rammed a County Vehicle. The Deputy was not injured but the Sheriff’s Office cruiser was immobilized. The suspect vehicle fled. The Sheriff’s office says the vehicle in question was likely a two-tone black and white Lexus. It should have damage to the drivers side including a missing mirror.

Sheriff Pennell says the caravan continued on Highway 127 to US 64/90 where it sped up in the direction of Taylorsville. Sheriff Pennell said the number of vehicles involved may have been close to 100. The vehicles turned onto N.C. Highway 90 at the intersection with Golf Course Road.

Some the vehicles entered the Westgate Shopping Center Parking lot in West Taylorsville where video shows the occupants igniting fireworks. There were reports of gunfire but those reports had not been confirmed as of earlier today (February 20) according the Sheriff Pennell.

Taylorsville Police saw a vehicle flee the parking lot, it later crashed on Main Street. The driver was arrested. A rifle and multiple license plates were found in the vehicle. Taylorsville Police Chief Douglas Bowman says multiple charges have been filed but those charges, nor the identity of the suspect had been released as of earlier today.

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office and Taylorsville Police Department continue to investigate the incident.

[Story and photo courtesy of Rick Gilbert, WACB]