Jesse Ray Machuca
Franklin Police Chief Bill Harrell had an intense altercation with a man last Friday evening.
At approximately 5:07 p.m. in the turn lane outside Macon Plaza, Harrell said he witnessed a shirtless man, later identified as Jesse Ray Machuca, who appeared to be high. He was making threatening gestures to passing motorists, so Harrell activated his emergency lights and attempted to calm him down.
Machuca rushed at Harrell and tried to take control of the police chief’s vehicle. Machuca gained entry to the vehicle, but Harrell was quick enough to engage his emergency brake and prevent the offender from driving off. Several nearby citizens helped Harrell to subdue Machuca until backup from the police department and Macon County Sheriff’s Office arrived on the scene.
Machuca is being held at the Macon County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond. He faces charges of resisting public officer, injury to personal property, assault on a government official/employee, attempted larceny, breaking or entering a motor vehicle, and disorderly conduct. Machuca is listed on the North Carolina Sex Offender and Public Protection Registry due to a conviction on January 28, 2019.
Harrell expressed his gratitude for the Macon County citizens who put themselves at risk to help him. He also said the police department would formally recognize them for their efforts at a later date.
“All things considered, this could have been much worse if he had gotten control of the vehicle, but because of the fast thinking and actions taken by citizens and law enforcement together, this was prevented,” Harrell said in a release. “Thank you to all those who acted selflessly, placing the safety of others above their own, and to those who have reached out to check on everyone involved.”