On Monday around 2 PM, a Cumberland County deputy encountered 30-year-old Robert Howard at a residence off Vandever Road. When attempting to pat Mr. Howard down for weapons, he jerked away from the deputy trying to flee. The deputy was able to grab ahold of him, however, Howard wrapped his arm around the deputy’s neck taking them both down. Once the two were on the ground, Howard struck the deputy in the side with his elbow. While trying to gain control of him, the deputy noticed Howard was reaching for a hatchet that was on the ground. Luckily, the deputy was able to grab Howard’s hands and finally able to place him in handcuffs.

When looking in Howard’s vehicle, on the center console and cupholder was a total of 1.65 grams of a grey powdery substance, consistent with heroin.

Robert Howard was charged with:

• Aggravated Assault
• Resisting Arrest
• Simple Assault of a First Responder
• Simple Possession