ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. (WJZY) – New and disturbing video has been launched exhibiting the arrest of a Rowan County commissioner that occurred over the summer time.
The Salisbury Publish and Grey Media filed a lawsuit and had been in a position to acquire entry to the video, which could be viewed here.
The Salisbury Police Division performed a routine site visitors cease on a dashing automobile on June 27 on W. Innes Avenue. The driving force of the automobile, Rowan County Commissioner Craig Pierce, 65, was given a breathalyzer take a look at, based on the police report. Pierce was arrested after take a look at outcomes confirmed he was thrice over the authorized restrict.
The greater than two-hour video exhibits Pierce seemingly belligerent and failing a number of roadside sobriety checks. Within the video, he claims he’s unable to stroll as a result of his “neuropathy.”
Pierce was elected in 2012 and received second and third-term elections in 2016 and 2020.
The arresting officer says he initially pulled Pierce over for driving 50 mph in a 35 mph zone, and for “swerving out and in of site visitors.”
After being taken to the police station, Pierce was given two breathalyzer checks. Within the first take a look at, he blew a 0.27. Within the second, he blew a 0.26. That’s thrice the authorized restrict.
All through the footage, Pierce tells officers “you don’t know who you’re messing with,” and threatens to have the officers fired.
At one level, he threatened to make use of his county commissioner seat to defund the division.
“I’m not telling you find out how to do your job, however I’m telling you I’m going to be sure you don’t have the funding to do your job if that is the best way you’re going to deal with folks,” he instructed the arresting officer.
Pierce was given a written promise to look in court docket and was launched from custody. FOX 46 reached out to Pierce for remark and didn’t hear again. We additionally reached out to Pierce’s lawyer, who was unavailable for an interview.
