LUMBERTON — KFDM News checked with the Hardin County Jail and we’re told as of Monday morning, a 63-year-old man remains behind bars on a total bond of $300,000 after the police chief says he threatened to kill an officer when he was stopped because of a homemade license plate reading ‘private citizen.’

The story was first reported by Adam Brooks of The Brooks Report.

Lumberton Police Chief Danny Sullins says at about 11 p.m. Saturday, December 4, a Lumberton Police officer saw a vehicle with a homemade license plate reading ‘private citizen.’ The officer pulled over the driver in the HEB parking lot off Highway 96. He says the driver, Jimmy Lee Minter, 63, of Lumberton, refused to give his name or date of birth.

Sullins says his Lumberton Police Department officer called for back up and a Hardin County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived on scene. The deputy put down spike strips to stop the driver in case he tried to leave.

According to Chief Sullins, Minter refused to roll down his window and get out. The officer noticed Minter looking for something in between his seats. At that point, the officer pulled out his baton and tapped on the window.

Sullins says Minter responded, “if you break out that window I will kill you!”

The officer quickly broke the window and Minter put the car in reverse and sped off around the spike strips.

Officers chased Minter south on Highway 96 to Mathews Lane where Minter turned onto a driveway.

Sullins says Minter got out of the vehicle and began charging at a Hardin County Sheriff’s Deputy who was on scene assisting Lumberton Police.

The K-9 unit was also there and K-9 LeeRoy was about to be deployed when another officer used a Taser on Minter. After a struggle they were able to arrest Minter.

While searching his vehicle, officers discovered a Taurus 45 caliber pistol loaded in between the two seats of the vehicle.

“We are just thankful none of our officers got shot,” said Chief Sullins.

Justice of the Peace Precinct 5 Melissa Minton set the bond amounts for the following charges:

Evading Arrest in a Motor Vehicle-bond at $100,000.

Resisting Arrest-bond at $50,000.

Unlawfully Carrying a Weapon-bond at $50,000.

Terroristic Threat against a Peace Officer-bond at $100,000.

Written by KFDM/FOX 4