Exclusive: Homeless man arrested after allegedly threatening Rutherfordton Police Sgt.

A 73-year-old man experiencing homelessness in Rutherfordton was arrested this week after allegedly threatening to “handle” police officers “with a rifle." 

Theodore Johnson was taken into custody on Nov. 10 and charged with misdemeanor communicating threats and misdemeanor littering between 10 and 500 pounds, under case number 25CR460178-800.

He had also been the subject of a missing person report in October, according to court records and prior law enforcement reports reviewed by WCAB News.

A magistrate’s order states that Sgt. Jonathan Cope instructed Johnson to remove his belongings from a public area. Johnson allegedly replied, “I’ll handle y’all with a rifle,” a statement authorities say was made in a way that caused the sergeant to believe it could be carried out. Officers arrested Johnson without a warrant, and a magistrate found probable cause for both charges.

Johnson has been visible around downtown Rutherfordton. This reporter has observed him seeking shelter from the rain at the bus stop near the Rutherford County Courthouse and sitting on a bench outside Norris Public Library, across from town hall, during late evening hours.

He is also facing a second-degree trespassing charge from October after he was asked to leave the Choice Care Playschool property, according to court records.

Johnson's next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 12 at 10 a.m. in Rutherford County District Court.