By Rachel Engel
COLUMBUS COUNTY, N.C. — A firefighter was charged with a misdemeanor after pointing a gun at a motorist at an accident scene on the highway.
Acme Delco Riegelwood Firefighter Jeffery Scott Sherwood, 51, was charged with misdemeanor assault by pointing a gun after he pulled a firearm on a motorist attempting to go around a firetruck blocking the scene, WWAY reported.
Once the department’s fire chief arrived on scene, Sherwood put the gun away, and left the scene shortly after speaking with the chief.
Shantasia Williams filed a report at the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office after the incident, and Sherwood was served on June 18.
According to a press release from the department, Williams was cited for NC GS§ 20-157 (f)(2):
(f) When an authorized emergency vehicle as described in subsection (a) of this section is parked or standing within 12 feet of a roadway and is giving a warning signal by appropriate light, the driver of every other approaching vehicle shall, as soon as it is safe and when not otherwise directed by an individual lawfully directing traffic, do one of the following: (2) Slow the vehicle, maintaining a safe speed for traffic conditions, and operate the vehicle at a reduced speed until completely past the authorized emergency vehicle. This paragraph applies only if the roadway has only one lane for traffic proceeding in the direction of the approaching vehicle or if the approaching vehicle may not change lanes safely and without interfering with any vehicular traffic.