David Taylor
Deals Gap – A road rage incident near the Graham County/Swain County line led to shots firing on Nov. 4.
In the aftermath, David Glen Taylor – 52 of Bryson City – was arrested and charged with misdemeanor going armed to terror of the public and misdemeanor impersonation a law enforcement officer.
Graham County Det. Graham Page filled The Graham Star in on what transpired leading up to the incident.
Page said that Taylor had gotten off work at Deals Gap Motorcycle Resort around 6 p.m., but his Dodge Challenger wouldn’t start. Taylor’s car was jumped off by a friend. Page commented that Taylor was agitated.
Taylor was driving on U.S. 129 South toward Tapoco Lodge when a sports car – with three people inside – began tailgating Taylor.
Taylor stopped in the middle of the road and the sports car started honking. Taylor started driving again.
The sports car continued tailgating and Taylor stopped once again at the bridge near the Graham/Swain County line. Taylor got out of his vehicle and shot a Glock 30, .45 auto caliber pistol in the air.
Page said the victims turned around – and in a video recording – could also hear three more shots as they drove away. The people in the sports car called 911 and Swain County law enforcement was notified.
Graham County law enforcement stopped Taylor on Sweetwater Road. Page was on the scene and said Taylor put the pistol behind the passenger seat, along with another small handgun in the car.
At first, Taylor denied the incident, but Page asked if he would like to ride to the Graham County Sheriff’s Office for interrogation. Taylor agreed. Page said Taylor had a spontaneous confession and confirmed his involvement and actions.
Swain County Sgts., Chris Grant and Andy Parker arrived to the station to arrest Taylor.
Taylor also repeatedly told Page and the Swain officers that he was a sworn law enforcement and an auxiliary deputy with the Cherokee Sheriff’s Office. This is a falsehood, according to the magistrate’s order filed at the Swain County Clerk of Courts and Page.
“I have a feeling he’s going around telling people he’s a law enforcement officer, but he is not,” said Page.
He was released on the following day on a $1,000 bond.