CLEVELAND COUNTY, N.C.β Deputy John Humphries was stabbed while trying to rescue two children being held against their will by 33-year-old James Bolin on Tuesday, April 19th.
At approximately 10:30 a.m. Cleveland County Sheriff’s Deputies attempted to deliver a warrant for assault inflicting serious injury on James Bolin. Deputies stated that upon arriving at the residence located on Stillwater Road near Deerfield Business Park, they were informed that Bolin was accompanied by two children. The two minors were not Bolin’s children and were not allowed to be inside, however, Bolin did not allow them to leave, according to a police report.
Sheriff’s Office negotiators arrived at the scene in an attempt to resolve the situation peacefully. Deputies say negotiators’ attempts were unsuccessful as Bolin began to secure the door to prevent deputies from entering the home.
Deputies feared for the safety of the children and decided that entry into the home had to be made.Β Lieutenant Humphries was the first deputy to go through the door. Upon entry, he was immediately attacked by Bolin with a large knife, according to a news release.Β Humphries suffered from two stab wounds before other deputies could restrain Bolin and take him into custody.
Humphries was treated for his injuries at the scene and transported to a local hospital.
Bolin was taken into custody without injury and charged with the following:
- Attempted First Degree Murder
- Assault Inflicting Serious Injury
- Two counts of Kidnapping
Sheriff Alan Norman released a statement in regards to this case:
“Itβs a sad day in Cleveland County when one of our own is viciously
attacked with a knife. Deputies have interacted with the offender many times but today he
took it to the next level by stabbing Lt. John Humphries. By the grace of God the knife did not
hit any vital organs or this incident could have easily turned out very differently. Unfortunately,
violent attacks on Law Enforcement Officers are up across the Nation, but this type of conduct
will not be tolerated in Cleveland County. We will work closely with the District Attorneyβs
Office to prosecute Mr. Bolin to the fullest extent of the law. The citizens of Cleveland County
along with myself are tired of hearing about these kind of attacks and it has to stop now.β
