A truck driver was held at gunpoint early Monday, June 2, in Maiden, North Carolina, when a man tried to blow up his semi by shooting at the fuel tanks in a parking lot off Startown Road.
What happened: Police say 54-year-old James Matthew Roland walked up to the parked rig near the Country Market Convenience Store around 9 a.m. He pointed a gun at the driver and ordered him out of the truck. The driver listened and left the rig unharmed.
- After the driver stepped away, Roland fired multiple shots at the truck's fuel tanks but failed to cause any explosion.
- He then left in his pickup, but oddly returned to the scene while officers were talking with the truck driver.
- When police tried to stop Roland, he sped off and led authorities on a four-mile chase up U.S. Highway 321. His truck ran out of gas at the NC Highway 10 exit.
- Officers found a loaded pistol in Roland’s pocket and methamphetamine inside his pickup.
Charges: Police say Roland admitted he was "trying to cause a fuel explosion" when he shot into the tanks, reported WCNC.
- Roland is facing charges that include second-degree kidnapping, trying to damage property using explosives, attempted burning, possession of a firearm by a felon, and various misdemeanors related to gun use and resisting arrest.
- No one was hurt during the incident.
- Roland was denied bond and scheduled for a court hearing on Tuesday in Catawba County District Court.