Code In set, lifted at three schools after road rage incident

Alexander County Schools officials placed three area schools on a Code In status on the morning of Wednesday, August 28, 2024, which was later lifted. This was due to a road rage incident involving shots fired in the parking lot of a business in Hiddenite.

A Code In means the schools are not in imminent danger but are not allowing people in or out of the buildings as a precaution. The Code In at Hiddenite, East Alexander, and Sugar Loaf was a result of an incident near the Hiddenite branch of Taylorsville Savings Bank. All students and staff are safe and secure, according to school officials.

The Alexander County Sheriff’s Office issued the following press release:

PRESS RELEASE

On August 28, 2024, at around 9:34 a.m., the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office received a call of shots fired in the parking lot of Taylorsville Savings Bank in Hiddenite.  The caller stated that two men got into a verbal altercation in the parking lot of the Bank.  One male pointed a pistol and shot in the direction of the other man.  Officers arrived on scene to find one of the men in the parking lot of the bank.  This occurred after a road rage incident in Hiddenite.  After an investigation, Officers found that Thomas Richard Smith, Jr., pulled a pistol and fired a shot in the parking lot of the Bank.  No injuries or property damage was reported. We would like to thank the Taylorsville Police Department, NC State Highway Patrol, and NC Probation and Parole for their assistance.

Thomas Richard Smith, Jr.

Thomas Richard Smith, Jr., age 74 of Hiddenite, was charged with one count of Assault By Pointing A Gun, one count of Assault With A Deadly Weapon, and one count of Going Armed To The Terror Of The Public.  Smith was given a $7,500 dollar secured bond. He has a first court appearance in District Court on October 28, 2024.  Smith is currently out on bond.