Man arrested for chasing women, hitting deputies with cane

A man is facing multiple charges after allegedly chasing a car with two women inside and later trying to strike two deputies with his wooden cane.

A woman called 911 around 2:15 p.m. Wednesday to report that a man was following her extremely closely and had tried to ram her while making rude hand gestures, according to a Sheriff’s Office press release.

The two cars, with a deputy following behind, stopped in the area of Mountain View and Wall Street. The man, identified as 50-year-old J. Charles Ballew, refused the deputy’s commands to provide his license and proof of insurance.

Ballew called 911 from his car and told the operator that he had been pulled over by someone driving a green Sheriff’s Office car and he was afraid for his safety, the press release said.

Deputies broke out a window to get into Ballew’s car and Ballew tried to hit two of them with his cane, the press release said. He was then pepper-sprayed and arrested.