Officers were dispatched to that location. As officers were in route another 911 caller advised that one of the subjects involved was in a brown van and was armed with a gun. Officers arrived on the scene and observed a brown van in the parking lot. The van was traveling toward the exit of the parking lot. PSO Kim Davis activated her blue lights and siren and stopped the van before it exited the parking lot. The driver was Joe Eddy Roper. Officer Davis approached the van advising Roper to show her his hands. Roper responded by cursing and arguing with Officer Davis. Roper then stepped out of the van. Officer Davis advised him to place his hands on the side of the van. Roper continued to yell and argue with Officer Davis after placing his hands on the van. For everyone's safety at the scene Officer Davis attempted to handcuff Roper. Roper resisted by trying to pull away from Officer Davis. Officer Davis with the aid of PSO Marty Coward secured Roper in handcuffs.

An investigation was performed by officers on the scene. Multiple witnesses on the scene confirmed that Roper's son Edward Allen Roper 48 YOA who was at the scene, had been arguing and threatening Eric Eugene Nichols in the parking lot of the Auto Zone. Nichols got in his vehicle and drove across the parking lot to the Mighty Dollar store. Joe Eddy Roper arrived on the scene and was observed by witnesses walking around his van carrying a handgun. Witnesses stated that Joe Eddy Roper followed Nichols into the Might Dollar store. He then followed Nichols out of the store into the parking lot. Joe Eddy Roper then sprayed Nichols in the face with Mace (CN). Nichols got back in his car to leave but being unable to see clearly drove back to the Auto Zone. Once there he exited his vehicle and asked for assistance from the employees at the Auto Zone.

Officers requested an ambulance and paramedics be dispatched to the scene. The paramedics examined Nichols and Joe Eddy Roper. Both subjects refused treatment. Officers located a handgun and mace in the brown van that was operated by Joe Eddy Roper. They also located a handgun in the vehicle of Edward Allen Roper. Both weapons and mace were secured by officers for safe keeping. Joe Eddy Roper was transported to the magistrate's office By PSO Davis and charged with the following;

1. Going Armed in Terror of the Public. (common law)
2. Resisting , obstructing and delaying and officer. GS 14-223
3. Simple Assault GS 14-33(A)

Edward Allen Roper was charged with communicating threats. GS 14-277.1. He was served and released on a written promise to appear.