Exclusive: Homeless Man Charged in Burglary, Assault on Officer

A 60-year-old man was arrested late Sunday after authorities say he broke into a Forest City home and injured a responding officer during a struggle, according to records obtained exclusively by WCAB News.

Jody Andrew Tollison, who is listed as homeless in Forest City, was booked into the Rutherford County Detention Center at 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 23. Jail data confirmed he remained in custody early Monday.

According to court records, Tollison is accused of breaking into a home on Crowe Dairy Road on Sunday night with the intent to commit a felony. Officers with the Spindale Police Department said Tollison refused commands, tried to slam a door on officers and grabbed a golf club in an attempt to avoid arrest.

Officer Anthony Baynard suffered redness to his left cheek after being struck during the encounter. Sgt. Joshua Adams was the arresting officer.

Tollison faces multiple charges, including second-degree burglary, assault inflicting physical injury on a law enforcement officer, second-degree trespass and two counts of resisting a public officer.

His court appearance is scheduled for this morning, according to NC Judicial Branch eCourts public records.