FAYETTEVILLE — A local man faces felony aggravated assault charges after an incident Tuesday night in which he’s alleged to have pointed a bow and arrow at his mother because she wouldn’t turn over her car keys.

Samuel Pittman Miller, 20, of 1858 N. High Ave. faces felony charges oftwo counts of aggravated assault on a family or household member and one count of reckless burning.

The reckless burning charge stems fromtrying to light himself on fire inside the Fayetteville patrol car as he was being taken to jail,according to police.

According to a preliminary arrest report, Miller came home intoxicated just before 8 p.m. Tuesday and tried to take his mother’s car keys so he could go to a friend’s house. When his mother refused, Miller allegedly pointed a bow and arrow at her, drew back and demanded the keys. He then stumbled, the report stated, swinging the bow.

Miller’s 13-year-old brother, who was in the bedroom with his mom at the time of the incident, reportedly ran from the room as hismother took away the arrow. Police said Miller went to retrieve another bow, while his little brother fled to a neighbor’s house and called police.

Police arrived at the scene a short time later and took Miller into custody. While being transported to the Washington County Detention Center, he allegedly lit his shirt on fire with a cigarette lighter while sitting in the back seat of a patrol car.

The car reportedly fi lled with smoke, causing “significant danger of serious injury” to both the o◊cer and Miller.

No damage to the vehicle was reported, though Miller reportedly burned a large hole through his shirt.

No one was injured.

“Our normal procedure is to search someone before we transport them to jail,” said Fayetteville Police Chief Greg Tabor. “We’re usually looking for weapons. Sometimes we miss smaller things, likekeys or lighters.”

Miller was being held on $5,000 bond Wednesday. He’s expected to make his first appearance in Washington County Circuit Court on Friday.

News, Pages 1 on 11/05/2009

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