IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. — A man who had been previously deported was apprehended on Interstate 77 in Iredell County after attempting to stop vehicles and acting erratically on Feb. 2, the sheriff stated in a news release.
Sgt. N. Hodges of the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office saw Jankly Omar Sarmiento-Korea running in the northbound lanes, trying to stop cars and jumping in front of vehicles.
Sarmiento-Korea was trying to open car doors in what appeared to be an attempt to carjack motorists, the sheriff said. Despite multiple verbal commands to stop, he fled on foot. During the pursuit, Sarmiento-Korea turned toward Hodges with a weapon, prompting the sergeant to draw his service weapon. Sarmiento-Korea dropped the weapon but continued to flee. A physical struggle ensued when Hodges caught up with Sarmiento-Korea, and several citizens assisted in restraining him.
Sarmiento-Korea was transported to Iredell Memorial Hospital for evaluation following the incident.
After he is released, he will go to the Iredell County Detention Center and be formally charged.
A magistrate issued a $125,000 secured bond.
Additionally, Iredell County Detention staff contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement after determining that Sarmiento-Korea had previously been deported. ICE has placed a detainer on him.
The charges that will be filed include, felony assault with a deadly weapon on a government officials, felony assault on a government official, misdemeanor assault on a government official, three counts of felony breaking and entering into a vehicle, misdemeanor resist, delay or obstruct a police officer, and disorderly conduct.
VIDEO: Iredell Coast ends free food pantry due to rising grocery costs
©2025 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
