SHELBY, N.C. — A Cleveland County sheriff's lieutenant has resigned after allegations that he pulled a knife on a man at a Fast Stop gas station.
According to a sheriff's department, Lt. Steve Smith allegedly pulled a knife after words were exchanged with another customer.
An incident report stated Smith walked into the gas station to buy some beer. He's accused of taking an argument too far when he walked out.
Two men were parked at a Fast Stop gas station when Smith, who had 18 years on the job, parked and walked inside.
When he came out, one of the men in the car commented that Smith had parked in a handicapped parking spot. The incident report states Smith then pulled a pocket knife and held it the throat of the man in the car. A fight followed, with Smith getting knocked to the ground and cutting the hand of the other man.
"Right around 7:30 this morning, we immediately started the internal affairs investigation," said Sheriff Alan Norman.
Norman said Smith was out on leave for a medical condition when the fight occurred. Before the internal investigation could even begin, Smith resigned.
Eyewitness News went by Smith's home Friday night to ask Smith what happened.
"Do you have anything you would like to say to us about these allegations?" Channel 9 asked.
While Smith wouldn't talk, neighbors told Eyewitness News they didn't know what had happened, until Channel 9 told them.
"That's unbelievable. Really, my son plays with, I believe, his grandson over there," said Smith's neighbor John, who didn't give his last name.
According to the incident report, neither party involved wants to press charges.
The Shelby police are conducting the criminal investigation. There was no word on whether charges will be filed against Smith.