James Roland, 54, is accused of holding a truck driver at gunpoint before shooting the gas tank of his tractor-trailer.
MAIDEN, N.C. — A was arrested Monday after police say he held a truck driver at gunpoint, shot at the vehicle’s fuel tank in an apparent attempt to cause an explosion, and led officers on a high-speed chase that ended when his truck ran out of gas.
James Matthew Roland, 54, was taken into custody after the incident began around 9 a.m. in the parking area beside Country Market Convenience Store on Startown Road in Maiden, according to police.
Officers responding to reports of shots fired determined Roland approached a parked tractor-trailer, pointed a pistol at the driver and ordered him out of the vehicle. After the driver complied with their commands and walked away, Roland fired multiple shots directly into the truck’s fuel tank, police said.
Roland then drove in a gray pickup truck but returned to the scene while officers were still interviewing the truck driver. When police attempted to stop him, Roland drove off northbound on U.S. Highway 321, leading officers on a 4-mile chase ending at the North Carolina Highway 10 exit when his vehicle ran out of fuel.
Police said Roland physically resisted arrest. Officers found a loaded pistol in his pocket and methamphetamine inside his truck.
During questioning by Maiden Police investigators, Roland admitted he fired shots into the fuel tank “attempting to cause a fuel explosion,” according to police.
No injuries were reported in the incident.
Roland was denied bond and is scheduled to appear in Catawba County District Court on Tuesday. He faces multiple felony charges including second-degree kidnapping, malicious use of explosive to damage property, attempted burning of personal property, possession of firearm by felon, and possession with intent to sell or deliver methamphetamine.
He also faces several misdemeanor charges: assault by pointing a gun, resisting a public officer, discharge of firearm in town limits, and going armed to the terror of the people.
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