By Facts News Group Staff
Bayboro, Pamlico County, North Carolina · Indictment Oct. 27, 2026 · Pamlico County Sheriff's Office statement
A Pamlico County Sheriff's Office investigator has been indicted on a charge of simple assault stemming from an arrest he took part in 19 months ago, according to the sheriff's office. A grand jury returned a true bill against Investigator Shane Hardison on Oct. 27, 2026.
Status at a glance
- Records confirm: One count of misdemeanor simple assault; true bill returned Oct. 27, 2026 (PCSO statement; WITN; WCTI).
- Alleged, not proven in court: According to court records cited by WITN and WCTI, Hardison punched and shoved the man being arrested.
- Not yet known: Court date, plea, attorney and Hardison's duty status.
What the records say
The charge stems from a March 19, 2025, arrest of a man who was wanted on a charge of assault on a child, according to the sheriff's office. The office said the man was found hiding inside the child's mother's home and that a use-of-force incident happened during the arrest. A complaint about it was referred to the State Bureau of Investigation and the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys for review.
The man was also charged with assaulting a government official during the arrest. He was found guilty in Pamlico County District Court and has appealed, the sheriff's office said. Facts News Group is not naming him because he is the alleged victim in the case against Hardison, and the child is not named.
Doorbell camera video of the arrest was published by WITN.
The sheriff's statement
Sheriff Chris Davis said in the statement that deputies will use "the reasonable and necessary force permitted by law" if a person spits or attempts to spit on them during an arrest. The office said it would make no further statements and referred questions to District Attorney Jeff Cruden of North Carolina's 1st Prosecutorial District.
The charge explained
Simple assault is a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina. Hardison has not been convicted, and he is presumed innocent.
Documents
Still unknown
- Hardison's first court date and whether he has entered a plea or has an attorney.
- Whether he remains on duty.
- What the SBI review found.
Sources
- Pamlico County Sheriff's Office statement, Oct. 27, 2026, as published by The County Compass – compassnews360.com
- WITN, Oct. 27, 2026 – witn.com
- WCTI – wcti12.com
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