More information has been released regarding four suspects who were arrested in connection with an incident last Wednesday night (April 5) in Lenoir. 34-year-old Jody Shane Maltba of Old Amherst Road, 63-year-old Timothy Nathan Maltba of Forest Brook Place, 31-year-old Richard Kory Barton of Robbins Drive, and 34-year-old Chelsey Nicole Maltba of Old Amherst Road, all from Lenoir, were arrested by Lenoir Police. The three men were charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, while Chelsey Maltba was charged with assault on a government official and resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public officer.

At about 7:40 Wednesday evening, Lenoir Police took a 9-1-1 call regarding a fight in progress between motorcycle gangs in the parking lot at Tumbleweeds Steak & Tavern. After several minutes, the caller reported that three motorcycles left and were heading south on U.S. Highway 321. Several minutes later, a Lenoir Police Officer saw the three motorcycles at the intersection of U.S. 321 and McLean Drive traveling at a high rate of speed. The drivers were wearing Pagan’s Motorcycle Club vests.

The Officer attempted to stop the motorcycles, but the bikes continued at a high rate of speed, exiting onto Hibriten Drive. The Officer continued the pursuit as the drivers turned onto Cliffside Place and into a parking lot, where they came to a stop. The Officer gave verbal commands to the drivers in an attempt to place them in custody. The drivers failed to comply. Jody Maltba entered the building and then came back out a short time later.

More Lenoir Officers arrived and were joined by Caldwell County Sheriff’s Officers and Troopers with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. The drivers were taken into custody without further incident. A search resulted in the discovery of concealed firearms and body armor worn by the drivers. As Officers secured the building, Chelsey Maltba was taken into custody for interfering with the Officers.

A search warrant was executed, leading to the seizure of numerous firearms, controlled substances, and U.S. currency. The investigation is ongoing. Additional charges are forthcoming.

The suspects were taken to the Caldwell County Detention Center. Bond for the three men was set at $75,000, each. Chelsey Maltba was given a $1,500 bond. None of the suspects remain in custody at this time (April 10). No court dates are currently listed for the three men in connection with last week’s incident. Chelsey Maltba will appear in District Court on May 3.