IFN Staff

A man who witnesses said attempted to carjack several motors on Interstate 77 was apprehended by a Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputy with the assistance of concerned citizens.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Jankly Omar Sarmiento-Korea, 32, of Birmingham, Ala., in a news release.

Sarmiento faces several charges in connection with an incident that occurred on Sunday, February 2, near mile marker 63 on I-77, Campbell said.

As ICSO Sgt. N. Hodges was traveling southbound on I-77 on that day, he observed a man, later identified as Sarmiento-Korea, running in the northbound lanes of the interstate, attempting to stop vehicles, according to the news release.

Concerned for public safety, Sgt. Hodges immediately stopped to investigate, Campbell said.

As the sergeant approached, he observed Sarmiento-Korea acting erratically, jumping in front of multiple vehicles and attempting to pull open car doors in what appeared to be an attempt to carjack motorists, according to the news release.

Sgt. Hodges ordered Sarmiento-Korea to stop, but the suspect fled on foot and at one point turned toward the sergeant with a weapon in his hand, the sheriff said. In response, Sgt. Hodges drew his service weapon and ordered the suspect to stop. Sarmiento-Korea dropped his weapon but continued to flee, according to the news release.

When Sgt. Hodges caught up with Sarmiento-Korea and attempted to take him into custody, a physical struggle ensued. Several citizens who witnessed the incident stepped in to help Sgt. Hodges restrain Sarmiento-Korea.

Iredell County EMS personnel responded to the scene and transported Sarmiento-Korea to Iredell Memorial Hospital for evaluation.

After the suspect was released from the hospital, he was charged with Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Government Official; Felony Assault on a Government Official Causing Physical Injury, three counts of Felony Breaking or Entering a Motor Vehicle; two counts of Misdemeanor Assault on a Government Official; Misdemeanor Resist/Delay/Obstruct a Public Officer and Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct

Sarmiento-Korea was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where Magistrate Watkins issued a $125,000 secured bond on these charges. Additionally, Iredell County Detention Center staff contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after determining that Sarmiento-Korea had previously been deported. ICE has placed a detainer on him.

The Sheriff’s Office expressed its appreciation to the citizens who assisted during this incident.