A man arrested after trying to flee from police then later tried to escape from a patrol car received a 30 day sentence for what he reportedly told a magistrate while being booked into the Johnston County Jail.
The incident began around 3:00am Wednesday, Aug. 28th at the Days Inn on Highway 70-A in Selma. Police responded to a disturbance call between a man and a woman. As police arrived the male suspect was attempted to leave on foot. When he saw officers he began to run. Police said they yelled at the man, identified as Thomas Michael Charmel of Dunn, and he stopped. He was placed in handcuffs. While being escorted back to a police car, Charmel allegedly tried to break free and run.
Police said they located 1 gram of suspected methamphetamine in a small bag in his possession. Charmel allegedly told the officers, “That’s ok. No big deal. It’s just possession, not distributing, It’s just a misdemeanor.” Officers said they informed the suspect the charge is a felony.
Charmel was placed in leg shackles and secured with the seat belt in the back seat of the patrol car. Moments later, police said Charmel removed his seat belt and grabbed the door handle but could not escape because the car door was locked.
While being transported to the Selma Police Department for processing, Charmel allegedly stated, “I’m glad I took that hit of meth earlier. It’s just one hit left in that bag.” After leaving the Selma police station, the 47 year-old man was transported to the Johnston County Jail and taken before a magistrate on charges of felony possession of methamphetamines, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor resisting and delay.
Police said Charmel was using profanity in the lobby area of the Magistrates Office. When the magistrate informed Charmel of his bond amount of $15,000, he allegedly yelled at the court official, “I don’t give a sh*t. This is bullsh*t, I’ll beat this.”
The magistrate reportedly told Charmel he needed to calm down and be quiet or he would be found in contempt of court. Charmel then replied, “I don’t care I ain’t getting out anyways, you dumb a**.”
The magistrate then turned towards Charmel and asked what he just said. Charmel then walked back towards a security window, placed his mouth in the open slot and stated, “You dumb a**.”
The court official then advised Charmel he was in contempt of court and was given 30 days in jail. The suspect then allegedly replied, “F*ck you, go beat your d*ck.”
While being escorted from the magistrates office to jail, Charmel once again tried to pull away from the Selma officer.
In addition to his 30 day jail sentence for contempt of court, the magistrate increased Charmel’s bail from $15,000 to $50,000.
