Deputies Assaulted

On October 17, 2009 at 0211 hours, Deputies with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to Water Works Road in Granite Falls to investigate a report of a suspicious vehicle in the parking area. Upon their arrival, Deputy Marvin Coleman and Deputy Isaac Pennell discovered an older model Ford pickup truck in the parking lot adjacent to the Water Plant.  As the Deputies drove into the parking area, the pickup truck immediately sped toward them, and in an attempt to escape, rammed the patrol vehicle of Deputy Isaac Pennell.  The driver then also rammed the patrol vehicle of Deputy Marvin Coleman.    As the pickup truck again sped toward Deputy Pennell who was now standing beside his vehicle, Deputy Coleman used his patrol vehicle to ram the suspect just before he was able to strike Pennell.  The collision forced the suspect vehicle and Coleman’s vehicle over an embankment, where the pickup truck overturned.  The driver of the pickup attempted to escape on foot but was apprehended by Deputy Pennell.  A passenger in the pickup was pinned in the vehicle and was apprehended by Deputy Coleman as he was freed by members of Sawmills Fire and Rescue.  Additional Deputies who responded to the scene also discovered a stolen safe and burglary tools in the pickup truck.  Charged in the incident were:

Deputies Coleman and Pennell were both transported to Caldwell Memorial Hospital where they were treated and released. 

“Our guys are doing just fine.  Both of them did a great job tonight.  They used their training and experience to remain calm and focused during a deadly force situation.   As a result, the suspects are in jail and they (the Deputies) get to go home to their families this morning.  I’m very proud of both of them.”  Captain Mike Longo, Patrol Division Commander. 

The call originated when a concerned citizen heard loud banging noises coming from the parking area, saw the suspicious vehicle, and made the decision to call the Sheriff’s Office.

“This kind of cooperation from our citizens is exactly what we need to take control of crime in all of our communities.  Quite simply, we would not have caught these criminals without this citizen’s assistance tonight.  But because he chose to get involved, two dangerous criminals are now off the streets.  I’m proud of him for protecting his neighborhood, and I’m proud of our Deputies.”  Sheriff Alan C. Jones, Sheriff of Caldwell County.

The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office Detective Division determined that the safe was stolen from a business in Conover.  Additional charges on the suspects are pending in both jurisdictions. 

This site was last updated 10/19/09