NC Trucker Held at Gunpoint, Suspect Attempts Fuel Tank Explosion

Maiden, NC Man Arrested After Holding Trucker at Gunpoint, Attempting Fuel Tank Explosion A 54-year-old man, James Roland, was arrested in Maiden, North Carolina on Monday, June 2nd, after a series of events that began at the County Market Convenience store. Police responded to reports of shots fired and discovered that Roland had approached a semi-truck driver, held him at gunpoint, and subsequently shot at the truck's fuel tanks in an attempt to cause an explosion. The truck driver, unharmed, complied with Roland's demands and exited the vehicle. Roland fled the scene in a grey pickup truck, but returned shortly after police arrived. When officers attempted to question him, Roland sped away, leading police on a four-mile chase that ended when his vehicle ran out of fuel on Highway 10. Roland resisted arrest. During a search of his truck, police found a pistol and methamphetamines. Roland admitted to shooting at the fuel tanks, stating, "I was attempting to cause a fuel explosion." He is currently being held without bond and faces multiple charges, including second-degree kidnapping and possession of a firearm by a felon. The incident highlights the dangers faced by truck drivers and underscores the swift action taken by law enforcement to apprehend the suspect.