A normally quiet Jacksonville street turned tense on June 20 when deputies say a 31-year-old man showed up armed with a handgun and rattled neighbors before ending the day in handcuffs. The confrontation on Peppertree Court in Onslow County wrapped up with the man’s arrest that same day, and authorities say he was booked into the county detention center on a secured bond. He now faces a mix of criminal and driving-related charges.
What deputies say
Charging documents identify the man as Osvaldo Anaya and say he armed himself with a Taurus GX2 handgun and went onto a public street "in a manner that caused fear among residents." Deputies say he also sent threatening text messages and tried to pull a pistol from his waistband during the encounter. According to WCTI, Anaya is facing charges that include going armed to the terror of the people, disorderly conduct, carrying a concealed gun, simple assault, open container and several driving offenses.
Driving and chemical testing
Deputies allege Anaya also drove on Peppertree Court while impaired. Charging documents state he refused to submit to a chemical analysis, and his driving privileges were revoked while the case moves forward. The paperwork shows he was taken to the Onslow County Detention Center, where a secured bond was set.
Under North Carolina’s implied‑consent law, motorists agree in advance to chemical testing if lawfully requested. The North Carolina General Assembly explains that refusing a chemical test can trigger an immediate civil revocation of a driver’s license along with additional administrative penalties, separate from any criminal case.
What the charge means
“Going armed to the terror of the people” is a North Carolina common‑law offense prosecutors often reach for when someone carries a weapon in a way that intentionally or recklessly stirs up public fear. As outlined by LegalClarity, and reflected in state case law, courts typically look for two things: an unusual and dangerous weapon and conduct that would reasonably terrorize bystanders. The potential penalty depends heavily on the specific facts of the incident and any related criminal counts that accompany it.
Local context
This was not the only unnerving weapons call in the Jacksonville area this month. Earlier in June, WITN reported a separate case in which warrants said a man jumped out at people while carrying a sword and a spear, alarming residents. Together, the incidents have kept law enforcement busy across parts of Onslow County as deputies chase down tips and encourage neighbors to report suspicious or threatening behavior before it escalates.
What’s next
If prosecutors move ahead with formal charges, Anaya’s case will be scheduled in the Onslow County court system, where proceedings such as arraignments and preliminary hearings are set, according to the North Carolina Judicial Branch. The charging documents, along with any administrative hearings tied to the implied‑consent issues, will shape the next steps as the district attorney’s office reviews the evidence and decides how to proceed.
