EAST SPENCER — Police and sheriff’s deputies pursued a man on Tuesday who was reportedly gesturing as if we was going to shoot himself. After a multi-agency pursuit and approximately half-hour standoff, the man surrendered and was taken into custody.

Joshua Blaine Arquette, 36, is charged with possession of a firearm by a felon, parole violation, resisting a public officer and fleeing to elude arrest for his role in Tuesday’s incident, which occurred at approximately noon. 

According to East Spencer Police Chief John Fewell, a traffic stop was initiated on Arquette’s vehicle because of a outdated tag. 

A search for the vehicle’s registered owner pulled Arquette’s file, with the photo matching the description of the driver. 

As the pursuit got underway, a Rowan County Sheriff’s deputy was nearby. According to a spokesperson at the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, Capt. Mark McDaniel, the deputy heard over the radio that East Spencer Police were attempting to make a stop in a pursuit that briefly led into Davidson County.

Upon the suspect vehicle’s return, the deputy observed the white Volvo passenger car near Spencer. Stop sticks were deployed unsuccessfully before the deputy engaged the driver in a pursuit. The deputy subsequently became the lead car in the pursuit and tailed the Volvo southbound down Hwy. 29.

With few cars in the area, the deputy requested permission to perform a pit maneuver on the vehicle. The request was granted. The initial pit maneuver was reportedly unsuccessful and afterward, the suspect vehicle reportedly accelerated to speeds in excess of 80 mph. 

Another pit maneuver was attempted, but the suspect reportedly caused his vehicle to impact the cruiser nullifying any effect from the pit maneuver. 

Following that encounter, the deputy got close enough to the Volvo that they could see into the cabin, where the driver appeared to brandish a firearm that he was gesturing towards his head.

With the potential for firearm discharge, the deputy did not attempt another pit maneuver, but did continue the pursuit, which ultimately led to a residence in the 300 block of Weant Street in East Spencer.

Upon arrival, Arquette reportedly remained in the vehicle, at times issuing threats about inflicting self harm, keeping officers on scene at bay. There were reportedly officers from multiple agencies at the residence.

Fewell indicated that it was unclear if Arquette lived at the residence but that it was apparent he at least knew someone who did live there.

According to Fewell, after approximately 30-45 minutes, Arquette tossed the gun out of his window and surrendered. He was reportedly taken into custody without further incident.