Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: On Friday March 1, 2019 Sergeant B. Henderson, with the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Community Oriented Policing (COPS) Division, responded to a domestic dispute 135 Ginger Lane near Mooresville.

While responding to the call, communications advised the suspect in this incident was actively trying to run his wife and other by standers over with his vehicle. Communications advised Gary Lee Paynter II was armed with a firearm, and had reportedly pointed it at his wife.

Prior to the deputy’s arrival, Paynter left the scene driving a silver Ford Mustang. A short distance from Ginger Lane, Sergeant B.A. Henderson passed a vehicle matching this description on Shinnville Road.

Deputies turned around on the Ford Mustang and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. After Sergeant B. Henderson initiated his blue lights and siren, the Mustang continued driving west on Shinnville Road, towards Charlotte Highway. Sergeant Henderson canceled the pursuit due to weather, and traffic conditions on Charlotte Highway.

Deputies last saw the Mustang turning onto Oates Road off Charlotte Highway. Deputy J. Church was circulating the area where the Mustang was last seen and, within minutes, located the Mustang in the cul-de-sac on Rainford Court, which is located in a subdivision off Oates Road.

Deputy J. Church was able to quickly apprehend the suspect, later identified as Gary Lee Paynter II, and take him into custody without further incident. A search of Paynter’s Mustang revealed a .45 caliber handgun, a quantity of cocaine, drug paraphernalia and an open container of alcohol.

Gary Paynter was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center where he was charged with the following: Felony Fleeing to Elude Arrest, Careless and Reckless Driving, Driving While Impaired, Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Open Container of Alcohol in a Passenger Area of a Vehicle, Driving While License Revoked, Domestic Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Assault by Pointing a Gun, and Communicating Threats.

Magistrate D. Sanders issued a No Bond on the domestic violence related crimes, and a 12,500.00 dollars secured bond on the other charges.

Gary Lee Paynter II, 49 Years Old

1128 Young Street      

Mooresville, North Carolina 28115