Chaos enveloped UNC Health Blue Ridge when an armed altercation occurred between two visitors on July 20th. According to the Morganton Department of Public Safety (MDPS), officers were called to the scene after a male subject, later identified as Jason Scott Inman, allegedly assaulted a female visitor with a handgun. The incident, which took place at approximately 0921 hours, prompted an immediate response from security and law enforcement.
Security personnel at UNC Health provided the last known whereabouts of Inman, who was seen leaving the hospital and disappearing near the parking deck area. A comprehensive search ensued, with MDPS establishing a perimeter to counter the possibility of the suspect's return. The victim suffered head trauma after Inman reportedly "drew a handgun and pointed it at the victim while making threats" before striking her in the head with the weapon.
The connection between Inman and the victim was soon uncovered; they were both visiting the same patient when the altercation broke out. After leaving the hospital, MDPS collaborated with the Caldwell County Sheriff's Office to locate Inman at his residence. At 1135 hours, confirmation came that Inman was in custody, apprehended by Caldwell County deputies at his Lenoir home.
Inman now faces multiple charges including felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill and inflicting serious injury, as well as misdemeanor offenses of assault by pointing a gun, communicating threats, carrying a concealed weapon, and going armed to the terror of the people. He has been confined at the Caldwell County Jail under a $150,000 secured bond. Additional support during the incident was provided by the Burke County Sheriff's Office and the NC State Highway Patrol.
