Taylorsville, North Carolina, February 16, 2026
Shaun Brian Jones, a 43-year-old from Louisiana, was arrested in Taylorsville, North Carolina, after a high-speed chase initiated by the Secret Service. The pursuit began when Jones was sought for making threats against President Trump. He led law enforcement through multiple counties before being apprehended at a church’s parking lot. An assessment followed concerning a potential explosive device, which was ultimately found to be nonexistent. Jones faces charges including assault on a government official and resisting arrest.
Taylorsville, North Carolina
Suspect Arrested in Taylorsville Following Multi-County Chase Initiated by Secret Service Alert
A 43-year-old Louisiana man, Shaun Brian Jones of Grand Isle, was apprehended Saturday in Taylorsville, North Carolina, after leading multiple law enforcement agencies on a high-speed pursuit that spanned Catawba and Alexander counties. The chase was prompted by an alert from the U.S. Secret Service, who had contacted the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office regarding Jones’s whereabouts. Jones is alleged to have made threats towards President Donald Trump, according to court documents.
The incident began on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m., when the United States Secret Service requested assistance from the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office to locate Shaun Brian Jones near Riverbend Park. A Catawba County deputy quickly located Jones, but during the encounter, Jones allegedly struck the deputy’s patrol vehicle and then fled the scene. He traveled north on Highway 16 into Alexander County.
The Catawba County deputy lost sight of Jones’s vehicle and terminated the initial pursuit. However, the Catawba County 911 Communications Center promptly relayed updated suspect and vehicle information to authorities in Alexander County. An Alexander County deputy subsequently spotted Jones traveling north on Highway 16 and attempted to initiate a traffic stop using emergency lights and a siren. Jones failed to stop and continued driving into the city limits of Taylorsville.
An officer with the Taylorsville Police Department joined the pursuit as it continued through the town. The chase ultimately concluded when Jones drove his vehicle into the parking lot of the First Baptist Church in Taylorsville. After a brief standoff, Jones exited his vehicle and was taken into custody without further incident.
Following Jones’s arrest, deputies received information suggesting the possibility of an explosive device inside his vehicle. In response, Hazardous Device Units from the Gaston County Police Department and the Gastonia Police Department were called to the scene to evaluate and clear the vehicle. Roads in the surrounding area were temporarily closed during the investigation with assistance from the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, the Taylorsville Police Department, and the North Carolina Highway Patrol. The Taylorsville Fire Department and Alexander County EMS were also placed on standby as a precaution. After a thorough search, officials confirmed that no explosive device was located inside the vehicle.
Shaun Brian Jones faces multiple charges from both counties. In Catawba County, he is charged with assault on a government official, resisting arrest, and failure to stop for a blue light and siren. In Alexander County, he is charged with fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle. Jones is currently being held at the Alexander County Detention Center under a $90,000 secured bond for the Alexander County charges and an additional $30,000 secured bond for the Catawba County charges. He is scheduled to make his first appearance in Alexander County District Court on Monday, February 16, 2026. This case remains under active investigation.
Multi-Agency Coordination Critical in High-Speed Pursuits
The successful resolution of this multi-county chase highlights the essential role of inter-agency cooperation among law enforcement. Agencies such as the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Taylorsville Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, and specialized units from Gaston County and Gastonia Police Departments demonstrated coordinated efforts. The geographical proximity of these counties and the major roadways often traversed by suspects necessitate seamless communication and strategic decision-making to mitigate risks during pursuits. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges regional law enforcement faces with high-speed chases and the importance of robust agreements and training across jurisdictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was arrested after the multi-county police chase?
Shaun Brian Jones, 43, of Grand Isle, Louisiana, was arrested after the multi-county police chase.
When did the police chase occur?
The police chase occurred on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at approximately 1:30 p.m.
Where did the police chase take place?
The police chase began in Catawba County near Riverbend Park and extended through Alexander County, ultimately concluding outside the First Baptist Church in Taylorsville, North Carolina.
Why did the police chase start?
The police chase started after the U.S. Secret Service contacted the Catawba County Sheriff’s Office requesting assistance in locating Shaun Brian Jones, who was alleged to have made threats towards President Donald Trump.
What charges does Shaun Brian Jones face?
In Catawba County, Shaun Brian Jones is charged with assault on a government official, resisting arrest, and failure to stop for a blue light and siren. In Alexander County, he is charged with fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle.
Was an explosive device found in the suspect’s vehicle?
No explosive device was located inside the vehicle after a thorough search by Hazardous Device Units.
When is Shaun Brian Jones scheduled for court?
Shaun Brian Jones is scheduled to make his first appearance in Alexander County District Court on Monday, February 16, 2026.
Key Details of the Police Pursuit and Arrest
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Suspect Name | Shaun Brian Jones |
| Age | 43 years old |
| Hometown | Grand Isle, Louisiana |
| Incident Date | Saturday, February 14, 2026 |
| Start Location of Chase | Near Riverbend Park, Catawba County, North Carolina |
| End Location of Chase | First Baptist Church parking lot, Taylorsville, Alexander County, North Carolina |
| Initiating Agency Contact | U.S. Secret Service contacted Catawba County Sheriff’s Office |
| Reason for Secret Service Involvement | Alleged threats towards President Donald Trump |
| Catawba County Charges | Assault on a government official, resisting arrest, failure to stop for a blue light and siren |
| Alexander County Charges | Fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle |
| Catawba County Bond | $30,000 secured bond |
| Alexander County Bond | $90,000 secured bond |
| Court Date | Monday, February 16, 2026, in Alexander County District Court |
| Explosive Device Report | Information received, but no device found after search |
| Agencies Involved | Catawba County Sheriff’s Office, Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, Taylorsville Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, Gaston County Police Department Hazardous Device Unit, Gastonia Police Department Hazardous Device Unit, Taylorsville Fire Department, Alexander County EMS |
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High-Speed Police Chase Ends with Arrest in Alexander County
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