Rowan County Man Charged After Shooting Himself to Avoid Court

ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — A Rowan County man faces charges after deputies said he shot himself in an attempt to avoid appearing in court.

According to the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified around 9:08 a.m. Tuesday that a gunshot victim had arrived at the emergency department at Novant Health Rowan Medical Center.

Investigators identified the man as Jason Michael Wyatt Jr., 24. Deputies said Wyatt initially reported that someone else shot him, prompting an investigation.

While searching the area where the shooting was reported to have occurred, deputies went to Wyatt’s residence and spoke with witnesses whose statements contradicted his account.

Investigators later determined Wyatt shot himself at a home on Pinevale Drive. Deputies obtained a search warrant for the residence and reported finding evidence supporting that conclusion.

Authorities said Wyatt shot himself because he feared he would receive a prison sentence during a scheduled court appearance.

Wyatt had been scheduled to appear in court on charges of felony larceny to remove, destroy, or deactivate a component and misdemeanor probation violation.

After receiving medical treatment, Wyatt was released from the hospital and taken into custody. He faces additional charges of filing a false police report and resisting, delaying, or obstructing a public officer.

Wyatt was transported to the Rowan County Detention Center under a $2,500 secured bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for March 10.