Last Updated on December 11, 2023 5:25 pm
On Sunday, December 10, 2023, at 9:50 pm, Boone Police Officers and Watauga Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported assault with a weapon at Lilly’s Snack Bar, located at 455 Blowing Rock Road. The victim reported that an individual struck them in the forehead with the handle of a handgun. The reporting person stated that the individual fled the area in a silver sports car.
Officers and deputies were checking the area when a Watauga County Sheriff’s Deputy located a silver 2023 Ferrari Roma in the parking lot of the Circle K, located at 2200 Highway 421, in Boone. After entering the Circle K, the deputy located the driver of the Ferrari, 29-year-old Harrison Owen Gilbert Jr., of 5540 Stone Creek Drive, Stone Mountain, Georgia. Harrison Gilbert Jr., who was armed, fled from the deputy on foot and entered the New River to evade arrest. Harrison Gilbert Jr. exited the water a brief time later and he was placed under arrest after a brief struggle. Harrison Gilbert Jr. was transported to the Watauga Medical Center for evaluation due to hypothermia before being medically cleared and released.
Harrison Gilbert Jr. was found to be a wanted fugitive from Georgia and New Jersey. Harrison Gilbert Jr. appeared before a Watauga County Magistrate and was served with the out of state warrants.
Harrison Gilbert Jr. was also charged with the following offenses relating to this incident:
- Assault with a Deadly Weapon.
- Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer with a Deadly Weapon.
- Two counts of Possession of a Firearm by Felon.
- Possession of Methamphetamine.
- Possession of Marijuana.
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon.
- Carrying a Concealed Weapon in an Alcohol Beverage Establishment.
- Resist, Obstruct, and Delay a Law Enforcement Officer.
Harrison Gilbert Jr. was issued a court date of January 15, 2024, in Watauga County, and was placed in the custody of the Watauga County Detention Center under a $402,500.00 secured bond.
The Appalachian State University Police Department also assisted with this incident and the apprehension of the suspect.
