A Jackson County resident is facing a slew of charges following a tumultuous series of events that unfolded in the wake of a car crash.
Pedro Siloe Lopez-Hernandez, a 29-year-old resident of Tuckasegee, was arrested on multiple charges. These include one felony count for attempting to bribe, two misdemeanor counts for assault with a deadly weapon, simple assault, and communicating threats, along with additional misdemeanor charges for driving while impaired, reckless driving, possession of an open container of alcohol, driving without a valid license, attempted theft, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct. In addition to these charges, he received citations for speeding, failure to maintain lane control, and failure to wear a seatbelt.
The complex chain of events began around 8:30 p.m. on August 26.
Lopez-Hernandez was driving a 2012 Mazda 3 sedan eastbound on Canada Road near Broom Road, as outlined in the crash report filed by N.C. Highway Patrol Trooper Samantha Hyatt.
According to the report, Lopez-Hernandez veered off the road to the right, overcorrected, and crossed the centerline upon reentering the road. This led to the vehicle running off the left side of the road, ultimately causing it to flip over. The car came to rest right-side up on its tires at the road’s shoulder, facing oncoming traffic.
Lopez-Hernandez attempted to leave the scene but was thwarted by concerned citizens who had stopped to offer assistance, as indicated in the crash report.
It is estimated that he was driving at approximately 60 mph in a 45 mph zone.
Following the crash, Lopez-Hernandez found himself facing additional charges due to his alleged actions.
According to court documents, he used his vehicle as a weapon to assault two individuals.
Lopez-Hernandez allegedly targeted Kimberly Mathis by intentionally ramming her vehicle while she was inside, as detailed in the court documents.
He is also accused of trying to strike Kaitlyn Britton, a volunteer first responder, with his car while she was providing first aid.
Furthermore, Lopez-Hernandez is charged with physically assaulting two other individuals at the scene.
According to court records, he struck and pushed Anthony Mace and shoved Gage Dover, who was attempting to administer first aid. Lopez-Hernandez also allegedly attempted to steal $50 from Dover’s front pocket. Trooper Hyatt suspected that Lopez-Hernandez was impaired, in part due to an open bottle of Corona found spilled all over the vehicle, as outlined in court documents.
The results of a drug or alcohol test are currently pending.
Upon being taken into custody, Lopez-Hernandez initially refused to walk to the police cruiser and subsequently refused to get inside, resulting in a disorderly conduct charge.
The turbulent behavior continued during the ride to the Jackson County Detention Center.
Lopez-Hernandez allegedly threatened Deputy Kyle Johnson, stating, “I’ll see you tomorrow; you’re dead,” according to court documents.
At the detention center, the drama persisted and involved another victim.
The accused reportedly attempted to bribe detention center employee Jorge Colon-La-Luz for his release. When this effort proved unsuccessful, Lopez-Hernandez threatened to harm Colon-La-Luz, according to court documents.
At present, Lopez-Hernandez is being held in the Jackson County Detention Center with a secured bond set at $55,000.
