A disturbing domestic incident in Garner, North Carolina, escalated dramatically on Sunday when a veteran suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder allegedly used his Tesla Cybertruck in a violent rampage, targeting his wife and a neighbour's property before a prolonged police standoff.
Chaotic Scene Unfolds in Residential Neighbourhood
Garner Police Department officers were dispatched to the scene around 3pm following urgent reports of a domestic violence situation. Upon arrival, authorities witnessed 32-year-old Nathan Lorne Tharp, a resident of Garner near Durham, striking his wife with the distinctive angular vehicle, causing her to fall to the ground.
When Tharp allegedly manoeuvred the electric pickup truck to attempt hitting his wife a second time, officers were forced to discharge their firearms. Remarkably, Tharp emerged uninjured from the gunfire but then initiated a destructive path towards his neighbour's home.
Neighbour's Property Sustains Extensive Damage
Surveillance footage and photographs obtained by local media reveal Tharp plowing his Cybertruck through neighbour Daniel Fontana's fence on four separate occasions. The vehicle's impact knocked out crucial support pillars on the front porch and caused significant destruction to parts of the garage structure.
After this vehicular assault on the property, Tharp abandoned the truck and forced his way into the Fontana residence, causing the terrified occupants to flee for their safety. The suspect then barricaded himself inside the home, prompting an immediate escalation in police response.
SWAT Negotiation and Aftermath
A specialised SWAT team was deployed to the location and engaged in hours of tense negotiations with Tharp barricaded within the property. Eventually, the suspect agreed to surrender peacefully and was taken into custody without further violence.
Tharp was transported to a medical facility for evaluation and treatment but was released later that same evening. He now faces multiple serious charges including:
- Assault on a law enforcement officer
- Assault on a female
- Assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill or inflict serious injury
- Domestic violence offences
Community Impact and Support
The incident has left lasting trauma on the Fontana family, particularly affecting Fontana's eight-year-old stepson who has experienced significant anxiety since the event. The child reportedly expressed fears about the possibility of similar incidents occurring again.
Structural assessments have deemed the Fontana home unsound, with initial estimates indicating at least $5,000 worth of damage to the backyard alone, not accounting for the extensive destruction to the fence, porch, and garage areas.
In response to the family's plight, concerned neighbours have established a GoFundMe campaign to assist with repair costs. The fundraiser has already garnered over $3,000 toward its $5,000 target, demonstrating community solidarity in the wake of the traumatic event.
Broader Context of Veteran Mental Health Crises
This incident represents the second violent confrontation involving a veteran experiencing PTSD episodes in North Carolina on that same Sunday. In nearby Johnston County, Anthony Richardson was fatally shot by police during another mental health crisis situation.
These parallel tragedies highlight the ongoing challenges surrounding veteran mental health support and crisis intervention protocols, raising important questions about how law enforcement and community services respond to individuals experiencing severe PTSD episodes.
