ROCKINGHAM — A man suspected of firing a gun during an argument and running from deputies during a traffic stop is facing felony charges.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a call on Saturday, Feb. 24 in reference to a man “firing a handgun and a loud argument taking place” on 9th Avenue in East Rockingham.
Before deputies arrived, the caller reportedly told dispatch that the suspect and wrapped the gun in something and placed it in the trunk of his car. As the suspect left the scene, the caller reportedly gave a description of the suspect and his vehicle.
One of the responding deputies reportedly saw the vehicle in the area and conducted a traffic stop.
The driver, identified as 29-year-old Demtrius Lamar Hunter, reportedly gave permission for a vehicle search after being told why he was stopped.
A deputy found the towel and the handgun fell into the trunk, according to the sheriff’s office. At that point, Hunter allegedly jumped into the driver’s seat and sped away, leading deputies on a short pursuit.
Hunter reportedly jumped out and ran inside a home, and was taken into custody by a deputy who was chasing on foot.
Deputies charged Hunter with one felony count each of possession of a firearm by a felon and fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle, as well as a misdemeanor count of resisting a public officer.
Hunter was booked into the Richmond County Jail on a $25,000 secured bond, however it appears he made bond prior to noon on Feb. 26. His court date is unknown at this time.
Online court records show Hunter has pending traffic citations from 2023.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Hunter was first convicted of second-degree kidnapping and robbery with a dangerous weapon in 2012. He served nearly 25 months behind bars.
In 2015, Hunter was convicted on a felony count of larceny of a motor vehicle, but was given a suspended sentence.
Hunter was most recently convicted of possession of a firearm by a felon in 2019. Although he received a suspended sentence for that conviction, his probation was revoked on the 2015 conviction and he served three months.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
