Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: On September 19, 2017 Deputies responded to 884 Blackwelder Road reference to shots fired at a passing motorist. Upon arrival deputies located both two subjects in the yard drinking beer. These subjects were watching a lawnmower and a vehicle fully engulfed in flames burn. Deputies were told by Bobby Messer Jr. that he had a gun in his pocket which corroborated the story of the reporting motorists. Following a brief discussion about what had taken place Bobby Messer Jr. and Jimmy Messer were both arrested.
Bobby Messer Jr was charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon for having shot at the passing motorists. Jimmy Messer was arrested for resist obstruct and delay for his conduct during the investigation. During his detention Jimmy Messer slipped free from handcuffs and was hindering the investigation. This investigation was taking place while the fire burned in the yard which added hazards for all responders.
Both Suspects were taken into custody and transported to Iredell County Detention center where Magistrate Tutterow set a bond for Bobby Messer Jr at $5,000 secured bond for two counts of Assault with Deadly Weapon. Jimmy Messer was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond for resisting, obstructing and delaying the investigation.
Jimmy Messer walked back to his residence and at 3:49 am he set his residence on fire. Jimmy was transported to Iredell memorial Hospital for treatment by Iredell County EMS. Deputies confirmed that Jimmy Messer was the owner of the property and no charges have been filed at this time for burning his residence.