FROM STAFF REPORTS

Five suspects face felony weapons charges after a Troutman Police Department officer stopped a vehicle for erratic driving early Sunday morning.

Shortly after midnight Officer T.M. Sharpe observed a Mercury Milan being driven erratically, according to a TPD news release. The officer followed the vehicle for about a mile and observed the vehicle driven left of center while making a turn and after completing a turn, police said.

After stopping the vehicle, Sharpe encountered five occupants, including a woman identified as Alexia D. Diaz, 20, who was “bleeding profusely from her face and head,” according to the news release.

When questioned, the occupants reported a road rage incident that occurred on the interstate and followed by an assault at the Pilot gas station, according to the news release.

Sharpe summoned and ambulance to treat the Diaz’s injuries. Due to the report of the incidents and locations, Sharpe asked for N.C. Highway Patrol and Iredell County Sheriff’s Office personnel to respond to the scene as well to investigate any crimes that occurred in their jurisdictions.

TPD Sgt. J. Benge and Trooper L. Tuckler arrived on the scene quickly.

When the occupants of the vehicle were questions, officers determined that their accounts of what happened were inconsistent, according to the news release.

EMS arrived and began assessing Diaz’s injuries. She was transported to a hospital for further treatment.

ICSO Deputy Megan Chapman arrived and began conducting an investigation into the assault that reportedly occurred at the Pilot gas station.

During the ensuing investigation, officers discovered a cache of assault rifles, handguns and ammo located throughout the vehicle, according to the news release. The serial numbers of one assault rifle and one handgun had been ground off, police said. More than a half ounce of marijuana was also located in the car as well as digital scales, according to the news release.

Based on their investigation, officers determined that there was no assault at the Pilot gas station, according to the news release.

Diaz was reportedly injured when another occupant of the vehicle became enraged and assaulted her with the butt stock of an assault  rifle, police said.

Troutman police reported the following charges:

♦ Ulysses Davon Porterfield, 18, of Pelio, S.C., was charged with felony possession of a firearm with an altered serial number, carrying a concealed weapon, and driving left of center. He received a $30,000 secured bond.

♦ Alexia D. Diaz, 20, of Lexington, S.C., will be charged with felony possession of a firearm with an altered serial number and carrying a concealed weapon when she is release from the hospital.