Republican NC House candidate files charges after he says his opponent hit him

BLADEN COUNTY (WWAY) — During election season things can get pretty heated, but over the weekend one race got physical at a family festival.

It involved two candidates for State House District 46 which covers Bladen, Columbus and Robeson counties. Republican candidate Brenden Jones says his opponent, Democrat Tim Benton, hit him during the Beast Fest Saturday afternoon in Bladenboro.

“I put my hands in my pockets, told him I did not want to fight him,” Jones said. “He kept insisting that we have a fist fight. And as I turned to walk away, and when I turned away, Mr. Benton sucker punched me.”

Jones says it all started with a flyer that compared Benton to Hillary Clinton. He said he tried to calm Benton down but that did not work.

“We’re supposed to fight it out on Election Day and not in the streets. And we’re just saddened for the folks of this district that a guy seeking House resorted to physical violence,” Jones said.

Jones filed a criminal charge against Benton to protect himself and his family moving forward.

Benton released the following statement:

“My wife and I are lifelong residents of Bladenboro, N.C. and enjoy the Beast Festival that is held annually in Bladenboro.  As is our tradition, we were once again enjoying a day out at the Beast Festival this year on Saturday, October 29.  We also had the pleasure of having our precious 15 month old grandson with us at the festival.  Later in the evening, at approximately 6:30 p.m. my wife went to look at some of the merchandise at one of the vendor tents while I continued to stroll with my grandson. While we were walking near the festival platform where the music was playing, I was approached by my GOP opponent, Brenden Jones, his wife and their child.  He said something to me about speaking to my daughter earlier in the day.  We both seemed to be having some difficulty hearing since we were right in front of the platform, and Brenden asked me to step across the street to talk and indicated his wife would watch my grandson.  She smiled, and walked over to take the handles on the stroller.  Since I knew Mrs. Jones was a mother and a teacher’s assistant, I felt comfortable walking across the street to talk to Brenden.

Once we started walking across the street, Brenden began to raise his voice.  He started shouting,  became confrontational and beligerent.  Thereafter, Brenden stormed off, and I made my way back across the street.   To my surprise, Mrs. Jones had abandoned the baby, but other familiar adults were surrounding him.  The Bladenboro Chief of Police approached and asked if I wanted to take out warrants on Brenden for assaulting me. I responded by saying, “ I am a man and will handle my business that way.”  Upon learning that Brenden ran to the  magistrate’s office to falsely accuse me, I am reconsidering my options. I will say that I do not advocate violence but I will not be bullied by the Republican Party.  I stand up for myself just the same as I will stand up for you, the people I will represent in House District 46.”

This is not the first time things have gotten heated between the two, Jones says they had an argument a few months ago at Fun Day in Bladenboro but were able to work things out.

WWAY reached out to the North Carolina Democratic Party for comment, it has not yet responded.

For statements from Libertarian Candidate Tom Howell and the NCGOP click here.