A Belmont man was arrested Saturday after police said he beat up and shot at a couple.

Officers said Joshua Cox, 33, punched a man in the head and face before attacking a woman then throwing her in the water at Mountain Island Highway.

Cox is accused of firing four shots into the ground close to the couple. 

He was not able to get too far after leaving the scene. Police used a K9 unit to track him down and immediately took him into custody.

He faces two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, two counts of assault by pointing a gun, carrying a concealed weapon and assault on a female.

Cox has been arrested seven times since 2008.

He is currently in custody at the Gaston County jail and held on a $100,000 secured bond.