North Wilkesboro Police Tase Suspect After He Reaches For Gun

North Wilkesboro Police tased a man after he reportedly reached for a loaded pistol in his waistband.

In a press release, North Wilkesboro Police Chief Brad Mathis stated that Zachary Tyler Combs, age 22 of Millers Creek is charged with felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon; resisting a public officer with serious injury; felony possession of methamphetamine; two counts of assault on a law enforcement officer with a firearm; possession of stolen goods; carrying a concealed gun; resisting a public officer; possession of drug paraphernalia; and misdemeanor larceny.

North Wilkesboro Police Department Officers received an alert at 11:50 p.m., on Wednesday, September 2nd about a possible stolen vehicle traveling into town.

The vehicle, described as a black pickup truck, was located at Walgreens on D Street. Sgt. Rocky Whitley confirmed through the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation records database that the registration plate had been reported stolen. Officer A. Gaspar also responded.

Police said Whitley located the driver as he was leaving Walgreens and attempted to speak with him. The man continued walking away, and Whitley advised him that he was under arrest. The man then attempted to reach into the waistband of his pants. Whitley grabbed the man’s arm, and Gaspar assisted in attempting to gain control of his hands. Police say the subject resisted and swung at both officers during the struggle. Gaspar suffered a laceration to his forehead.

A Taser wad deployed allowing the officers to gain control of the man and place him under arrest, according to the news release.

The suspect, Combs, was in possession of a loaded semiautomatic handgun containing eight rounds.

Wilkesboro Police and the North Carolina State Highway Patrol also responded to assist.

Officers conducted a probable-cause search of the pickup and reported finding 4.2 grams of methamphetamine, a glass smoking device and marijuana.

Walgreens employees told investigators the man allegedly stole batteries while inside the store.

Combs was also served with outstanding felony warrants for probation violations in Ashe County. In February the suspect was convicted of felony possession of a weapon of mass destruction and felony sell/buy/possess weapon with altered identification. Combs remains in the Wilkes County Detention Center without bond.