Taylorsville Pastor Charged In Connection To January Accident and Standoff…Story Updated With DWI Charge

A well known Alexander County Pastor has been charged in connection to an incident in January.

James Oliver Steele, age 53 of Taylorsville, surrendered to Taylorsville Police on Friday. He’s facing the following offenses

Driving while impaired
Reckless driving with wanton disregard
Discharging a firearm in city limits
Open container of alcohol
Damage to property
Carrying concealed weapon
Going armed to the terror of the public
Driving left of center
Exceeding safe speed
Unsafe passing

Steele was released under a $10,000 bond.

Steele is alleged to have struck two utility poles on Main Street in Taylorsville on Wednesday, January 24th. He was not seriously injured. When emergency staff arrived, Steele was armed and making threats to harm himself. A standoff ensued as Taylorsville Police, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office and the North Carolina Highway Patrol responded. Steele remained in his pickup for nearly an hour before he fired a shot causing no injury to himself or others. He then surrendered the handgun and was taken to a medical facility for treatment.

Taylorsville Elementary School and Alexander Central High School were both placed on Code-In status as the drama unfolded. The nearby Taylorsville First Baptist Church Daycare also kept children inside during the standoff.

A section of Main Street was closed for hours to replace the utility poles.

Steele who is known as Jamie, is the Pastor at East Taylorsville Baptist Church. His initial court appearance is scheduled for February 26th in Alexander County District Court.

Photo: Taylorsville Police Department

East Taylorsville Baptists Church issued the following statement