ROCKINGHAM — A man was arrested Thursday after reportedly pointing a gun and firing at police officers.
According to a press release from the Rockingham Police Department, officers were approached by a “concerned citizen” who reported that a man driving a burgundy van was waving a firearm out the window and cussing at people.
One officer spotted the man, identified as 35-year-old Reginald Deon Wall, standing near the corner of South Randolph and Franklin streets with the van parked nearby, according to the release.
Police say Wall was “yelling and cursing” at officers from a distance.
As one officer approached within 5-6 feet of the suspect, Wall reportedly pulled out and produced the firearm.
“Officers attempted de-escalation tactics for several minutes in an attempt to calm Mr. Wall down and retreat from his firearm,” the release reads. “Mr. Wall became more aggressive in nature and pointed his firearm at officers on multiple occasions.”
Police say Wall then walked away from officers and into Franklin Street into oncoming traffic, again waving the firearm and pointing it at the officers.
One officer charged at Wall while his attention was diverted towards other officers, according to the release.
Wall then allegedly fired a shot at the officer, missing him.
The charging officer was able to take down Wall while other officers removed the gun from his hand as he allegedly tried to fire more rounds.
No one was injured.
“The Rockingham Police Department would like to be clear that the bravery and courage displayed by this Officer very well saved the life of Mr. Wall and quite possibly the lives of other Officers Involved,” Chief Billy Kelly said in the release. “We commend the actions of every Officer involved in this event, for their bravery, and willingness to sacrifice their lives for the safety of this community.”
Wall was booked into the Richmond County Jail at 12:13 p.m., records show.
The only charge currently listed is for violating a domestic violence protective order.
Police say more charges are pending.
Online court records show Wall has pending traffic violations — speeding and driving with a revoked license — in Anson County.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
In 2005, Wall was convicted of larceny of a motor vehicle and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, both felonies, according to records with the N.C. Department of Public Safety Division of Adult Correction.
The following year, he was convicted of assault on a female, a misdemeanor.
His probation on both convictions was revoked and he spent several months behind bars in 2007.
Wall’s most recent conviction was in 2010 of unauthorized use of motor conveyance in Cumberland County.
