Man accused of almost hitting first responders who were checking on him

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A man was arrested Sunday afternoon in New Hanover County for allegedly trying to hit first responders.

A call was placed to 911 around 6:30 p.m. about a motorist who appeared unconscious inside a running vehicle at the Circle K in the 6600 block of Gordon Road.

When first responders arrived, the man — who responders say appeared intoxicated — woke up and attempted to drive away, according to the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office.

They say Jose Perez Hernandez, 42, nearly hit several first responders while attempting to drive away.

Hernandez was stopped, arrested and charged with driving while impaired and assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, among other charges.

He is being held in the NHC Detention Center under $55,000 total bond