Alexander County Road Rage Leads To Gunfire

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office has released information about an incident involving road rage and a shot being fired Wednesday morning.

Alexander County 911 received a call at 9:34 am about shots fired in the parking lot of Taylorsville Savings Bank on Highway 90 in Hiddenite. Deputies learned that two men had entered the parking lot in separate vehicles. The two males became engaged in verbal confrontation. One of the male subjects pointed a handgun in the direction of the other male. At least one shot was fired, however it’s not certain if the shot was fired in the other man’s direction.

According to Alexander County Sheriff, Chad Pennell the episode of road rage took place prior to the subject’s entry into the bank parking lot. Pennell says 74-year old Thomas Richard Smith of Hiddenite has been charged. He was located at a nearby business. Smith is charged with assault with a deadly weapon, assault by pointing a gun and going armed to the terror of the public. He’s been released under a secured bond of $7,500. An Alexander County District Court appearance is set for October 28th.

As a precaution three area schools, Hiddenite Elementary, Stony Point Elementary and the Millersville Christian Academy at Sulphur Springs were placed on “Code-In Status.”

Sheriff Pennell would like to thank the Taylorsville Police Department, NC State Highway Patrol, and NC Probation and Parole for their assistance.