Suspect Arrested in Dispute that Injures Wife and Deputy

Cumberland County Sheriff’s Detectives have arrested a Hope Mills man on charges that he assaulted his wife by strangulation and injured a deputy during his arrest.

James Walter Gillich Jr. 50, of 5487 Bush Court is charged with assault by strangulation, second degree kidnapping and assault on a female.

Investigators say Gillich choked his wife by grabbing her by the throat and pushing her until she was backed up against a wall. Sheri Gillich said she had difficulty breathing and thought she was going to pass out.

According to the sheriff's office, while deputies were on the scene, Sgt. M. Honeycutt attempted to detain Gillich who was trying to go back inside the residence where his wife was. Gillich refused to comply with deputies who asked him to have seat. Sgt. Honeycutt began to handcuff Gillich when he became aggressive. Honeycutt says he felt and heard a loud popping noise and realized his knee was injured. He was transported to Cape Fear Valley Medical Center where he is expected to undergo surgery.

Meanwhile, Gillich remains in the Cumberland County Detention Center under a $5,000 secured bond. He will make a first court appearance today at 2:30 p.m. in the Detention Center Courtroom.