GREENSBORO, N.C. — A 19-year-old from Florida is behind bars after authorities say he was driving at dangerous speeds on Battleground Avenue and assaulted two deputies.
Anthony Taveras-Furcal appeared in court on Monday. He spoke virtually and said his friend called and said there was a car meetup on Saturday in Greensboro, so he went.
"I'm a Marine at Camp Lejeune. I don't think they know I'm here," Taveras-Furcal said in court. He added that he didn't mean to hurt anybody.
The incident happened on Saturday, August 17. Deputies said Anthony Taveras-Furcal was doing donuts, burnouts, and other stunts in the Big Lots parking lot. When a deputy tried to pull him over, officials say Furcal hit the patrol car and then drove in the direction of another sergeant.
He was also allegedly driving 140 mph in a 55 mph zone on US 220/Battleground Avenue, and going left of center.
Taveras-Furcal faces several charges, including two counts of assault on a government official, assault with a deadly weapon, street takeover, reckless driving to endanger, and hit-and-run.
He was taken to jail and given a $50,000 secured bond.
According to the Department of Defense Manpower Data Center, Taveras-Furcal has been active duty since September 2022 and is currently still serving as a marine.
The United States Marine Corp confirmed that Taveras-Furcal is a Marine assigned with 2d Marine Division.
He is facing the following charges:
- Felony Assault on a Government Official with a Deadly Weapon (2 counts)
- Felony Speed to Elude Arrest
- Street Takeover Violation
- Hit and Run
- Resist, Delay, Obstruct
- Speeding
- Reckless Driving to Endanger
- Drive Wrong Way on Dual Lane Highway
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