SELMA – A Selma police officer was injured while detaining a motorist that had reportedly passed out inside a truck in a drive-thru lane. Around 11:08pm Wednesday, Selma Police were dispatched to the drive-thru at Kentucky Fried Chicken, on US Highway 70 East. The business had already closed for the day.
A caller reported a Ford pickup had been stopped in the drive-thru lane for a period of time, and the individual appeared to be passed out.
When police arrived they reportedly found the suspect still in the truck and narcotics in plain sight. After awakening the driver, and while trying to speak with him, he allegedly reached towards a black 9mm handgun in a holster on his right hip.
The suspect, identified as Dwight Arthur Simmons, age 58, of Roxboro, NC, reportedly refused verbal commands to release the gun and raise his hands. The officer jumped inside the truck and began scuffling with Simmons for control of the firearm.
During the struggle, the weapon fell from the holster onto the pavement. The officer removed Simmons from the vehicle and placed him on the ground away from the firearm. He was handcuffed and placed in a patrol car.
Later, Simmons reportedly told police he wasn’t going to shoot them but was trying to place the gun on the center console. He allegedly admitted to using illegal narcotics one hour before the incident, and claimed he was not thinking clearly, according to a police report.
Inside the truck, police said they found 2 grams of suspected methamphetamine and oxycodone.
Simmons was charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, resisting an officer, and carrying a concealed weapon. He was held on a $20,000 secured bond at the Johnston County Jail.
The injured officer was treated for a back injury at Johnston Health and later released.
Prayers for the officer
Great job officers! Glad nobody was seriously injured or killed.
Hope the Selma Officer will be good as new. Officer, you did a great job in taking control of the situation and also great self-restraint in not shooting the man for pulling a gun from his holster and then not following verbal commands. Again, great job and recover quick.
Cops have a tough job. They have to deal with the worst people in society.
You got that right! I wish other people would see it.
Outstanding work officer.Great job!!