Update: Man Arrested for Felony Assault on Disabled Resident
UPDATED INFORMATION:
On March 28, 2026, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office A Shift responded to a residence in La Grange, North Carolina, in reference to a reported altercation.
Upon arrival, deputies located a 68-year-old wheelchair-bound resident who had been exposed to pepper spray during the incident. Lenoir County EMS responded and provided treatment on scene. The victim declined transport to a medical facility.
Following an investigation, deputies determined that Austin Stanley Owens, used unreasonable force and had the ability to disengage from the situation. Owens was taken into custody and charged with Felony Assault on an Individual with a Disability.
While being processed at the Lenoir County Jail, Owens caused damage to county property and was subsequently charged with Misdemeanor Injury to Real Property.
Owens, a 19-year-old male from Lenoir County, is currently being held without bond due to being out on pretrial release for prior assault charges.
Charges:
Felony Assault on an Individual with a Disability
Misdemeanor Injury to Real Property
Previous story:
————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
On March 28, 2026, deputies with the Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office A Shift responded to a residence in La Grange, North Carolina, in reference to a reported altercation.
Upon arrival, deputies located a 68-year-old wheelchair-bound resident who had been exposed to pepper spray during the incident. Lenoir County EMS responded and provided treatment on scene. The victim declined transport to a medical facility.
Following an investigation, deputies determined that Austin Stanley Owens, who was acting as a caretaker at the time, used unreasonable force and had the ability to disengage from the situation. Owens was taken into custody and charged with Felony Assault on an Individual with a Disability.
While being processed at the Lenoir County Jail, Owens caused damage to county property and was subsequently charged with Misdemeanor Injury to Real Property.
Owens, a 19-year-old male from Lenoir County, is currently being held without bond due to being out on pretrial release for prior assault charges.
Charges:
Felony Assault on an Individual with a Disability
Misdemeanor Injury to Real Property
