Authorities say a Lenoir County man turned a stretch of N.C. 70 near Kinston into a terrifying scene when he allegedly pulled alongside a woman’s car and forced it off the road while her three children were riding with her. All four people in the vehicle avoided serious injury, and deputies arrested the suspected driver after the collision.
Deputies Call It an Intentional Act
Lenoir County deputies described the crash as an “intentional act of violence” in a news release, according to the Charlotte Observer. Investigators said they were called to the scene near Highway 70 and King Street, where they determined the other vehicle had driven alongside the woman’s car before forcing it off the roadway.
Arrest and Charges
The suspect, identified by deputies as 48-year-old Roberto Davila, was arrested at his home and taken to the Lenoir County Jail. He faces four counts of assault with a deadly weapon, along with charges of injury to personal property, driving without an operator’s license, a fictitious registration plate and no liability insurance. A medical evaluation found no serious injuries to the woman or the three children, deputies said. Davila is being held without bond while the case moves forward, according to WITN.
Legal Implications
Prosecutors have brought assault-related charges that can carry felony penalties in North Carolina. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. §14-32, assault with a deadly weapon that inflicts serious injury is a Class E felony, and assault with intent to kill can be charged as a Class C felony, according to the North Carolina General Statutes.
Investigative Context
Investigators said the confrontation grew out of a domestic dispute, though officials have not released details about a possible motive or whether they expect additional charges, the Charlotte Observer reported. Local authorities continue to investigate as the case works its way into Lenoir County’s court system.
What’s Next
Davila remains in custody at the Lenoir County Detention Center while prosecutors review the case, according to WITN. The investigation is ongoing.
