Shotgun Threats Rock Neighborhood

A neighborhood feud over a backyard fire allegedly escalated into a terrifying confrontation involving a shotgun, repeated threats and several frightened residents. Witnesses told deputies that a man repeatedly pointed a firearm toward a neighboring family, including one encounter in which he allegedly aimed the weapon from his garage. The Lawrence County Sheriff's Office arrested Carlos Bayes on a charge of aggravated menacing after investigating the complaints. Trouble Starts With a Backyard Fire According to the sheriff's report, the confrontation began when Bayes became upset about a fire burning outside a neighboring residence. Bayes told deputies that he had confronted a younger boy and another person who were near the fire. He said he asked them to stop, but they refused. The disagreement apparently didn't end there. A member of the neighboring family told deputies he was driving home when Bayes ran into the street screaming at him and told him to pull over. The man said he drove around the block because he was afraid to return home. When he came back, he alleged that Bayes pulled out a rifle, aimed it toward his vehicle and shouted at him. The man said he drove away and contacted his parents. But according to the complaint, the confrontation continued when the family returned home. Witnesses Describe Repeated Gun Threats Several people told deputies they saw Bayes displaying or pointing a firearm toward the neighboring property. One witness said Bayes stood in his driveway, made an obscene gesture and pointed a gun toward a vehicle. Another described seeing Bayes open the side door of his garage, point a gun toward people gathered outside and then partially close the door while keeping the weapon pointed in their direction. A witness described the firearm as a shotgun with a long black lever. The neighboring family said they went inside and called law enforcement. One family member told deputies that Bayes had pointed the gun toward him more than once, including while he was working on a vehicle in his yard. Another witness said the family had been experiencing ongoing problems with Bayes, including accusations that he waved at them, made obscene gestures and told them to come over to his house. Security Cameras Capture Part of Encounter The sheriff's report indicates that members of the family had photographs and video footage of Bayes displaying the weapon. One woman told deputies she had checked her security cameras after receiving a call about a suspicious vehicle near the property. She said the footage showed Bayes outside his residence with a firearm. She also reported seeing him display the shotgun toward a family member and provided a photograph to investigators. Deputies collected statements from multiple witnesses and reviewed the allegations. Deputies Search for Gun Investigators returned to Bayes' residence and asked for permission to search for the firearm. Bayes gave deputies permission to search his garage. His mother, who owned the residence, also consented to a search of the house. Deputies searched both locations but did not find the weapon. The unsuccessful search did not end the investigation. Based on the statements and evidence gathered, deputies placed Bayes under arrest for aggravated menacing. He was transported to the Lawrence County Jail. The sheriff's report does not indicate that anyone was physically injured or that shots were fired. The allegations remain subject to the court process, and the report does not provide the outcome of the criminal case.

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