Exclusive: Forest City Man Accused of Using Vehicle in Assault with Intent to Kill

A Forest City man is facing a felony assault charge after authorities alleged he used a vehicle as a deadly weapon during an incident in Rutherford County, according to court records (case number 26CR308098-800). 

Records filed in Rutherford District Court show Christopher Dwayne Hunter, 34, was charged with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, a felony offense under state law.

According to the arrest warrant, Hunter “unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did assault Zion Edgerton with a 2019 Dodge Charger, a deadly weapon, with the intent to kill him.”

The complainant listed in the case is Aaron Boyd of the Forest City Police Department. The FCPD has not issued a public statement about the case.

Court records show the warrant was issued on May 15 and served on May 17. The case remains pending.

During a May 18 hearing, the court set Hunter’s bond at $75,000 secured. The eCourts records state the bond determination considered “the nature of Defendant’s charge(s), prior criminal history, dangerousness to the community, likelihood that Defendant will appear for future court date and consulted the suggested bond guidelines set by the Resident Superior Court Judge (J. Thomas Davis)."

The records also note “2 felonies” and “2 probation violations.” Public records show Hunter has previous felony convictions. 

A public defender was appointed to represent Hunter during the May 18 proceeding before Judge Robert Martelle, according to court filings.

Hunter’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 26, records show.

Under North Carolina law, assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill is a felony offense punishable by prison time if convicted. Criminal charges are allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

Hunter was also the defendant in a connected civil case tied to a 2023 car crash, case number 26CV000280-800. Public records show the court ordered him to pay $4,000 to a minor with the same last name as the victim in the criminal case, following a settlement. Martelle was also listed as the judge in that case who authorized it in April, "off the record with no court reporter present," according to public court records.