Man Charged With Attempting To Carjack Vehicles In Iredell County

An Alabama man has been charged with attempting to carjack multiple vehicles along Interstate 77 in Iredell County.

The Iredell County Sheriff’s Office says Jankly Omar Sarmiento-Korea, 32, of Birmingham, Alabama, is charged with three counts of felony breaking or entering a motor vehicle, felony assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, felony assault on a government official causing physical injury, two counts of misdemeanor assault on a government official, misdemeanor resist, delay or obstruct a public officer and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

Patrol Sergeant Nate Hodges was traveling southbound on Interstate 77 between the communities of Harmony and Union Grove earlier this month. The sheriff’s office said Hodges observed a man, later identified as Sarmiento-Korea, running in the northbound lanes of Interstate 77, attempting to stop vehicles. Hodges stopped to investigate according to a press release.

Hodges observed Sarmiento-Korea acting erratically, jumping in front of multiple vehicles and attempting to pull open car doors. The sheriff’s office said the situation appeared to be an attempt to carjack motorists.

Sergant Hodges issued multiple verbal commands for Sarmiento-Korea to stop, but Sarmiento-Korea fled on foot, the sheriff’s office said. As Hodges pursued, Sarmiento-Korea turned toward him with a weapon in hand, the sheriff’s office said. In response, Hodges drew his service weapon and ordered the suspect to stop. Sarmiento-Korea dropped the weapon but continued to flee, the sheriff’s office said. The sheriff’s office did not specify what kind of weapon Sarmiento-Korea dropped.

Hodges caught up with Sarmiento-Korea. While attempting to take Sarmiento-Korea into custody, a physical struggle ensued. Several citizens who witnessed the struggle stepped in to assist Hodges in restraining Sarmiento-Korea, the sheriff’s office said.

Iredell County Emergency Medical Services responded to the scene. Sarmiento-Korea was transported to Iredell Memorial Hospital for evaluation.

Sarmiento-Korea was placed in the Iredell County Detention Center under a secured bond of $125,000.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been notified as the suspect has previously been deported. A detainer has been placed on the suspect.

Iredell County Sheriff’s Office