A decade-old joke reportedly led to a physical assault over the weekend, prompting an investigation by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Caleb Charles responded to the Cumberland Medical Center Emergency Room in the early hours of Saturday, June 27, 2026, following reports of an assault.

According to the incident report, a 29-year-old victim stated he was assaulted at a residence on Highway 70 North. The victim alleged that another 29-year-old man struck him multiple times. The dispute reportedly stemmed from a joke regarding homosexuality that was made approximately ten years ago when both individuals were at the same residence. The victim indicated that no weapons were used during the altercation.

Sheriff’s deputies proceeded to the Highway 70 North residence to investigate further. Two witnesses who were inside the home at the time stated they neither heard nor saw a physical altercation, and noted that the suspect had already fled the scene before law enforcement arrived.

Authorities attempted to locate the suspect at a subsequent location on Old Lantana Road but were unable to make contact with him.

The victim was advised on the formal procedures for pursuing a criminal assault summons through the Sheriff’s Office Commissioner if he chooses to press charges. The incident has been officially processed as a simple assault and remains a matter of record.