Arizona Man Holds National Guard Members At Gunpoint While They Were Transporting COVID-19 Vaccines

An Arizona man held 11 National Guard members at gunpoint to stop their transport of COVID-19 vaccines. 

A National Guard convoy was transporting COVID-19 vaccines in West Texas when an Arizona man forced it off the road. Larry Harris, 66, then held 11 guards people at gunpoint. According to authorities, the man told police that they stopped three of the vans because he believed people inside them kidnapped a woman and child. 

KTLA reports that no one was injured during the Tuesday incident. Police arrested the man immediately once they arrived. 

The man was at a gas station when he spotted the three vans. That’s when he started following them and attempted to run them off the road several times. He eventually turned his vehicle into oncoming traffic to stop them. “Harris pointed a gun at a National Guard Soldier, identified himself as a detective, and demanded to search the vehicles,” according to a statement from Idalou Police Chief Eric C. Williams.

While pointing his gun at the guards, he ordered them out of the trucks. KTLA reports Harris had three loaded guns. The outlet reports that he was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, unlawful restraint of 11 National Guard members, unlawful carrying of a weapon, impersonating a public servant, and interference with Texas military forces. 

There are no details out about whether he will undergo a mental evaluation. He is currently being jailed on a $44,000 bond. He also has a federal hold on his custody.