06/11/2026
⭐Machete-Wielding Suspect Back Behind Bars Hours After Being Released from Jail
Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: At approximately 1725 hours on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, deputies responded to a reported breaking and entering and assault involving a machete on Lewis Ferry Road.
Upon arrival, deputies located the victim suffering from injuries consistent with an assault. The suspect was identified as Joseph Payton Gallimore.
The investigation revealed that Gallimore struck the victim on the front of the head and the back of his right shoulder with a Gurkha Kukri-style machete. The victim also sustained lacerations to the fingers that appeared to be defensive wounds, indicating an attempt to grab the weapon during the assault. Medical personnel at the hospital advised that the victim was in stable condition.
Witnesses reported seeing Gallimore flee on foot toward a wooded area while still armed with the machete. Sheriff's Office K-9 and drone units were deployed to locate him; however, he was not found during the initial search.
Investigators determined that Gallimore also used the machete to slash and flatten the tires of two vehicles parked at the scene. Additionally, Gallimore assaulted another individual during the incident.
It was also learned that Gallimore had been released from custody earlier that day after being arrested on unrelated charges.
Detective Geiken obtained warrants charging Gallimore with Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury, Misdemeanor Assault on a Female, Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence, Misdemeanor False Imprisonment, Two Counts of Misdemeanor Communicating Threats, and Two Counts of Misdemeanor Injury to Personal Property.
Around 2 a.m., Gallimore was located and arrested on Fairdale Road. He was taken into custody and transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was served with the outstanding warrants and issued a no-bond order by Magistrate Nicholson.
