AHOSKIE – What started as a “shouting match” ended with the arrest of a Guilford County man who faces multiple charges, including felonious possession of a stolen firearm.

Ahoskie Police Chief Troy Fitzhugh said a series of events preceded the Nov. 23 arrest of 36-year-old Augustine Solomon Cole of 4622 Mercury Drive, Greensboro. Cole was charged with one felony count each of speed to elude arrest and possession of a stolen weapon as well as misdemeanor counts of carrying a concealed weapon, careless and reckless driving, and resist/delay/obstruct (a police officer carrying out his or her duties).

Fitzhugh said the incident began shortly before 3 p.m. when APD Sgt. Tyrone Ruffin was dispatched to a call at Duck-Thru convenience store on Academy Street involving three female customers who were being disruptive.

“Sgt. Ruffin, upon his arrival, did encounter three females who he reported to be arguing among themselves and were very loud,” Fitzhugh said. “Sgt. Ruffin told the women to take their argument outside.”

A short time later, Ruffin, while still inside the store, noticed a van pull into the parking lot, prompting the three females to re-enter the store where they were behaving in a “scared” manner, Fitzhugh said.

“Sgt. Ruffin then exited the store and approached the van, asking the driver (later identified as Cole) to step out and speak to him,” Fitzhugh said. “It was then that the driver sped away from the parking lot. Sgt. Ruffin got into his patrol vehicle and pursued. The van turned off Academy onto Baker Street and then turned onto West Street where it turned into the first residential driveway in the 800 block.”

Fitzhugh said the driver then exited the van, while it was still moving, and fled on foot. The van eventually stopped when it ran into a nearby ditch.

“Sgt. Ruffin, who now is trained with our second K-9 officer (“Rico”) gave the dog the command to search and “Rico” located the driver in a wooded area behind the residence,” Fitzhugh said. “Sgt. Ruffin gave the man a verbal command to get on the ground, but the man instead reached into the pocket of his hooded coat at which time Sgt. Ruffin deployed his taser, fired and immobilized the man and was able to handcuff him and place him under arrest.”

Hertford County Sheriff’s Deputy Dexter Hayes arrived and assisted Ruffin in making the arrest.

Cole was placed under a $21,000 secured bond and incarcerated in the Hertford County Jail. He made his first court appearance on Nov. 27.

Fitzhugh said other charges are pending.

“We’re still investigating this incident in regards to the stolen weapon. We have contacted the Greensboro Police Department,” Fitzhugh stated.