FIRST ON 3: Magistrate explains decision not to arrest Soles

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The magistrate who issued a criminal summons for R.C. Soles yesterday says there was no reason to arrest the former senator, who was accused of beating a man.

Magistrate Tucker Ward says it was left to his discretion whether to arrest Soles or to serve him with a criminal summons.

Soles is charged with assault with a deadly weapon after Frankie Lee Jernigan claimed soles hit him in the face with a metal cane.

Ward says Soles decided to only issue the summons because he believes Soles is not a flight risk. The former senator is scheduled for a hearing on October 21.