A Berry woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting a law enforcement officer with a pen during a traffic stop in Greensboro earlier this month.
Annabell Reese Carpenter, 22, has been charged with second-degree assault, resisting arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia following the April 8 incident, which occurred just after 11 a.m. on Centreville Street.
According to a criminal complaint filed in Hale County District Court, Deputy Jack Nelson of the Hale County Sheriff’s Office stated he was sitting in his vehicle near the courthouse when he observed a white Honda CR-V, which he recognized as being driven by Carpenter, traveling south on Centreville St. Nelson noted in the complaint that he was familiar with Carpenter due to a prior arrest earlier this year and recent domestic-related reports involving her.
The complaint says Nelson stopped Carpenter at the Texaco station on State Street after confirming that her driver’s license was still suspended and that she had no proof of insurance. Nelson says he wrote two citations and asked Carpenter to sign them.
Carpenter allegedly became upset, drew a line through the signature box, and when asked to sign properly, used Nelson’s ink pen to stab him in the finger, breaking the skin. Carpenter was taken into custody at that point with assistance from another officer. Nelson said she attempted to pull away during the arrest.
A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered what Nelson identified as drug paraphernalia, including a glass pipe with residue, plastic straws, and a baggie containing a substance the officer believed to be methamphetamine. The substance was sent for testing, and further charges may be considered depending on the results.
Carpenter remains in custody at the Hale County Jail with bond set at $30,000 for the assault charge and $6,000 each for resisting arrest and paraphernalia possession. Court records show the case was filed on April 9 and is pending in Hale County District Court.
