Two brothers are facing charges after Union County deputies say they pointed a gun at a Monroe gas station owner and then roughed him up on Wednesday, sparking a swift investigation, search warrants and the recovery of a firearm from a home. Detectives identified the suspects as brothers, took both into custody without incident and say one is accused of pulling the gun while the other is accused of taking part in the assault.
According to investigators, one brother is now charged with several offenses, including assault by pointing a gun and possession of a firearm by a felon. The other is charged with simple assault. Both were booked into the county jail, with secured bonds set at $100,000 for the brother facing the gun and felony charge and $1,500 for the other.
What the Sheriff's Office Says
Deputies were dispatched to a reported assault at a local gas station on Wednesday. There, they learned that two customers, later identified as Zachary Snyder and Carl Snyder, allegedly pointed a firearm at the store owner, physically assaulted him and then took off in a blue Ford Flex with South Carolina plates.
Investigators say deputies later found the vehicle and sought warrants, which led detectives and specialized units to execute a search warrant at a residence. Inside, they recovered the firearm they believe was used in the assault. These details, along with photos, were shared in a post by the Union County Sheriff's Office on Facebook, which also lists the specific charges and bond amounts for both men.
Where They're Being Held
Both brothers were transported to the Union County Detention Center and booked, according to the Union County Sheriff's Office, which provides public arrest reports and inmate inquiry tools. The sheriff's office notes that the arrests themselves were carried out without incident after both arrest and search warrants were obtained.
Legal Note
Under North Carolina law, assault by pointing a gun is a Class A1 misdemeanor. Courts have parsed exactly how that charge applies in recent years, as reflected in case summaries compiled by Justia. Possession of a firearm by a felon is a separate offense and is prosecuted as a felony under N.C. Gen. Stat. 14-415.1, per the North Carolina General Assembly.
What's Next
The sheriff's Facebook post, published Thursday, includes photos from the scene and booking images of the brothers. It also notes that detectives are continuing to investigate and that anyone with additional information is asked to contact investigators, according to the Union County Sheriff's Office. Prosecutors are expected to review the case as it moves through the local court system.
