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William Jacob Parsons charged with going armed to the terror of the public

 

POLK COUNTY—A Bostic man has been arrested after allegedly threatening to harm FEMA workers providing disaster relief in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area.

On Saturday, October 12, at 12:54 p.m., deputies with the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office received a report about a white male with an assault rifle in Polk County who made a comment about possibly harming FEMA workers in the area.

The deputies immediately alerted Lake Lure officers and other local agencies. 

“A deputy went to the location where the threat was made, which was located in Polk County, and obtained more information,” according to a statement released by law enforcement. 

About an hour later, deputies were able to locate and detain the suspect, William Jacob Parsons, 44, who was taken into custody and charged with going armed to the terror of the public. Parsons was armed with a rifle and a handgun at the time of his arrest, officials said.

He was booked into the Rutherford County Detention Center under a $10,000 secured bond and was released the same evening after posting bail. 

FEMA announced that it was making operational adjustments due to safety concerns, although recovery efforts continue in the area.

“Disaster Recovery Centers will continue to be open as scheduled, survivors continue to register for assistance, and we continue to help the people of North Carolina with their recovery,” according to a FEMA spokesperson.

Some national news outlets have reported that armed militia were encountered in the area, but local police say that is unfounded.

“The initial report stated there was a truckload of militia that was involved,” according to an RCSO press release. “However, after further investigation, it was determined Parsons acted alone, and there were no truckloads of militia going to Lake Lure.”