A summons has been issued against Republican candidate Brenden Jones following an altercation on Saturday with Democratic Candidate Tim Benton. Both candidates are seeking election to the NC House District 46 seat. Both candidates were attending a family festival in the town of Bladenboro when the incident ocurred.
Candidate Tim Benton issued a statement that reads, “My wife and I are lifelong residents of Bladenboro, N.C. and enjoy the Beast Festival that is held annually in Bladenboro. As is our tradition, we were once again enjoying a day out at the Beast Festival this year on Saturday, October 29. We also had the pleasure of having our precious 15 month old grandson with us at the festival. Later in the evening, at approximately 6:30 p.m. my wife went to look at some of the merchandise at one of the vendor tents while I continued to stroll with my grandson. While we were walking near the festival platform where the music was playing, I was approached by my GOP opponent, Brenden Jones, his wife and their child. He said something to me about speaking to my daughter earlier in the day. We both seemed to be having some difficulty hearing since we were right in front of the platform, and Brenden asked me to step across the street to talk and indicated his wife would watch my grandson. She smiled, and walked over to take the handles on the stroller. Since I knew Mrs. Jones was a mother and a teacher’s assistant, I felt comfortable walking across the street to talk to Brenden.
Once we started walking across the street, Brenden began to raise his voice. He started shouting, became confrontational and beligerent. Thereafter, Brenden stormed off, and I made my way back across the street. To my surprise, Mrs. Jones had abandoned the baby, but other familiar adults were surrounding him. The Bladenboro Chief of Police approached and asked if I wanted to take out warrants on Brenden for assaulting me. I responded by saying, “ I am a man and will handle my business that way.” Upon learning that Brenden ran to the magistrate’s office to falsely accuse me, I am reconsidering my options. I will say that I do not advocate violence but I will not be bullied by the Republican Party. I stand up for myself just the same as I will stand up for you, the people I will represent in House District 46.”
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