Two Charged After Allegedly Shooting At Deputies During Pursuit

LINCOLNTON, NC — Officials have charged two suspects accused shooting at deputies Sunday morning while leading them on a pursuit.

The incident started around 1:30am on Salem Church Road. Deputy R. Richard says he noticed the suspects swerving in the road and tried to pull them over, but they refused to stop.

Deputy Richards chased the suspects until they lost control and crashed into a tree on Calloway Road. Richards says the men fired a shot at him as he approached the vehicle and took off into nearby woods.

The suspects were eventually located at a home on Bynum Road. Brandon Houser, 22, and Joey Smith, 22, were both arrested and charged in connection to the chase and shooting. The homeowner, Robin Houser, 56, was also arrested during a search of the home.

Smith reportedly told detectives he ran because he was driving with a suspended license. Investigators have not yet located the weapon.

Smith is charged with Operating a Vehicle While Fleeing to Elude Arrest, Resist/Delay/Obstruct a Public Officer, Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Firearm, Possession of Cocaine, Possession with Intent to Sell/Deliver Marijuana, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Houser is charged with Assault with a Firearm on a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Manufacture Schedule VI, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Robin Houser is charged with Maintaining a Dwelling for a Controlled Substance.