THOMASVILLE, N.C. — A Reidsville man was arrested at a Thomasville gas station Tuesday for attempting to sexually assault a teenage boy, according to police.
As officers were at the scene over the weekend, a 15-year-old victim reported that a male followed him into the bathroom and tried to assault him. Officers got video surveillance footage and positively identified Hicks as the suspect.
The Thomasville Police Department found James Claiborne Hicks, Jr. 65, at near the Exxon gas station on Randolph Street Tuesday where they arrested him.
WFMY News 2 was on the scene and spoke to Hicks before he was arrested. He wouldn't talk on camera but said he came back to the gas station to clear his name. He explained police showed up to his job looking for him.
We caught the moment police arrested Hicks on the spot. He is charged with attempted indecent liberties. We asked Hicks what happened the night of the incident he said he was nervous, turned bright red, and burst into tears. Thomas police said they are unable to provide additional information due to this being an ongoing investigation.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Circle K said," The safety and privacy of our customers is always our top priority, and we take very seriously any incidents that have allegedly occurred on our property."
After the arrest, Thomasville police searched Hicks' car and got it towed. He is in jail on a $25,000 secured bond.
According to court documents, Hicks plead guilty and was convicted of a misdemeanor for indecent exposure in 2020. He exposed himself at a rest stop on I-40 East in the presence of another man.
This investigation is ongoing.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Subscribe to our daily newsletter Let’s Get 2 It!
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.