An Erwin man involved in a domestic dispute early this morning is accused of firing shots near Washington County deputies who responded to the scene.
According to Sheriff Keith Sexton, deputies responded to a call around 1:30 this morning in the 100 block of Creek Road. 22-year-old Russell Kern was walking in the area and holding a handgun. When approached by deputies, Kern allegedly fired the gun into a ditch within a few feet of them. He then ran into the woods.
Kern was taken into custody around two hours later. The victim at the residence on Creek Road told deputies the two were drinking and got into a verbal altercation. Kern locked her out of the home with the firearm in his hand. A juvenile was asleep in a bedroom in the house.
Kern then broke items in the residence, kicked holes in the wall, and threw a cast iron skillet into the front door with such force that the handle stuck in the door.
While the victim was locked out of the residence, Kern stated he was leaving with the gun in his hand and pointed it while stating that she better not try to stop him. Kern then left the house on foot with some of his things, the firearm, and his dog.
He was charged with aggravated domestic assault and possession of a handgun while under the influence. He was also charged with three counts of aggravated assault on a first responder due to discharging the weapon near deputies.
He is being held in the Washington County Detention Center without bond and will appear in court on December 2.
