Man accused of pointing gun at woman repossessing car - East Idaho News
Crime Watch

Man accused of pointing gun at woman repossessing car

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IDAHO FALLS — Police have arrested an Idaho Falls man after he allegedly pointed a gun at a woman repossessing a car.

A woman called the Idaho Falls Police Department on Dec. 28 while repossessing the 2008 Audi A4 in the Home Depot parking lot on South Holmes Avenue. She said a man pulled a handgun on her. According to charging documents, Branson K. Ferguson, 27, is charged with felony aggravated assault.

The victim said that Ferguson financed the car through her husband’s car dealership and fell behind on payments. When the victim spotted the car, a woman was inside but got out when the victim explained she was repossessing the Audi. The woman who had been sitting in the car then walked into Home Depot.

As the victim drove out of the parking lot, she said she spotted Ferguson chasing after her and the Audi. The victim said opposing traffic stopped her from getting away as Ferguson came up to the passenger side window.

“He yelled at her that she stole his vehicle and to give it back,” the probable cause affidavit reads. “She yelled back saying that she was repossessing it.”

The situation then escalated when Ferguson alleged pulled a handgun, pointed it at the victim from behind the window. Ferguson then reportedly yelled to unlock the door, but he became distracted and the victim got away.

“She (the victim) described Branson as appearing to be on drugs or under the influence of something,” court records read.

Police called Ferguson and told him his mother contacted officers about his car being stolen. Officers note in their report Ferguson appeared to not want to meet but promised to come to the police department at a later time.

Investigators then noted Ferguson had two unrelated warrants for his arrest after not showing up to court. Officers had been unable to get a hold of him on his phone or at his house.

As the investigation unfolded, the victim’s husband recorded a phone call with Ferguson. According to court documents, in the call, Ferguson confirmed he had a gun the day of the repossession and admits to “making her aware” that he had the weapon. Ferguson said he never pointed the gun at the victim.

Police continued to try contacting Ferguson, but he would not respond to officers or meet up with the car dealership to pick up his belongings.

The circumstances of his arrest are unclear, but on Monday, Ferguson was booked into the Bonneville County Jail, according to jail records.

He made his initial court appearance Tuesday and is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Jan. 18.

Although Ferguson is accused of a crime it does not necessarily mean he committed it. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.

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