Assault Charge Filed After Burnsville Protest Incident Leaves Elderly Man Injured

Burnsville --  The protest was part of a broader "No Kings" movement seen across Appalachia, where individuals gather to express concerns about what they perceive as an accelerating slide into authoritarianism.

These local demonstrations often involve participants holding signs and making a peaceful "stand."

The incident involved Norman Rabek, a 73-year-old resident of Burnsville, who was participating in the protest, and Randy Horton Jr., 53, of Spruce Pine.

According to Burnsville Police Chief Brian Buchanan, Mr. Rabek was crossing the Town Square when he felt that a red Jeep truck, driven by Mr. Horton, was getting too close. Mr. Rabek reportedly placed an American flag he was carrying between himself and the truck. Chief Buchanan further noted that Mr. Horton's red Jeep truck displayed numerous pro-Trump tags, indicating his political support. The vehicle also carried a Captain America figure in the back, holding a fake semi-automatic weapon. The Chief stated that Mr. Horton had driven his vehicle around Burnsville's main square multiple times before the interaction.

Eyewitness Account Provides Key Details  

An eyewitness, Elizabeth Boulter, provided a detailed account of the events to News 13 (WLOS). Boulter stated she was on the sidewalk and observed the "conspicuous" red Jeep making several passes around the square.

Boulter said Norman Rabek began crossing the crosswalk towards the NuWray hotel. She noted that the Jeep, on what she believed was its "fourth or fifth pass," drove across the crosswalk and stopped with its back end still on it, suggesting the driver "had not been paying attention to the crosswalks."

Boulter then described seeing Mr. Horton exit his Jeep. "He went straight at Norman. He struck him with both hands, knocked him flat," Boulter told News 13. She further stated, "Norman fell flat on his back. His head hit the pavement. It made a noise." Following the incident, She said Horton got back into his Jeep and drove off.

Charge Filed and Ongoing Investigation

Norman Rabek sustained injuries, including his head reportedly cracking open from the fall, and was transported by EMS to Blige Medical for treatment.

Randy Horton Jr. denies pushing Mr. Rabek. He stated that Rabek "fell back when I got out of my Jeep when he hit the Jeep the second time I got out to assess the damages."

After investigating the incident and conferring with the Yancey County District Attorney's Office, the Burnsville Police Department charged Randy Horton Jr. with Assault Inflicting Serious Injury. Mr. Horton was booked around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, and was released about an hour later after being placed under a $5,000 secured bond.

Police Chief Buchanan has indicated that investigators have completed interviews with several witnesses and collected various evidence, including available video footage. This evidence packet will be provided to the District Attorney's Office, which will determine if any further charges are to be filed.

As of the time of this report, no specific court date has been publicly announced for Randy Horton Jr. The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

Editor's Note: A  criminal charge is an accusation, by law, a person accused of a crime is innocent until proven in a court of law.

WNCTimes

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