Warrant Out For Man Who Brought Weapon To Charlotte Poll Site

CHARLOTTE, NC — A man arrested for trespassing at a Charlotte poll site Tuesday after he showed up armed and provoked complaints of voter intimidation, is now wanted on another arrest warrant, Charlotte police said Wednesday. The development is the latest in a string of events that began when he wore a legally unconcealed handgun strapped to his hip while he cast his vote Tuesday morning, then returned to the location twice despite a ban by election officials.

The incident highlighted anxiety among voters, as some reported sporadic incidents of intimidation on the day officially wrapping up a political season of highly charged rhetoric.

Around 10:30 a.m., Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department received a call for service after some voters felt intimidated by the man — identified as Justin Dunn, 36 — as he stood with a gun outside the Oasis Shrine Temple poll site on Doug Mayes Place.

A poll watcher at the location also made a complaint to ProPublica's Electionland, which is taking tips about voting problems. "A man is walking around near the polling site with a gun in a holster," the complaint said.

SEE ALSO: Armed Man Arrested At Charlotte Polling Site: CMPD

Shortly after the incident was reported, a precinct manager with the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections confirmed the incident to Patch, saying the man arrived with the handgun and was allowed to cast his vote. Dunn then called the Board of Elections office himself to complain after the gun provoked reaction from others at the location.

"He was complaining that people were hollering at him as he was leaving," Precinct Manager Mike Crutch said.

According to a police report, Dunn was legally carrying the unconcealed gun and continued to loiter at the poll site, which some voters found intimidating.

"Dunn was asked to leave the property by an official presiding over the precinct location in front of officer and voluntarily left without further issues," CMPD said. The election official also banned Dunn from returning.

About two hours later, however, he did just that, CMPD said.

"At 12:40 p.m., CMPD received an additional call for service advising that Dunn had returned to the property," police said. He was arrested and charged with second-degree trespassing.

Hours later, after he got out of jail, Dunn returned to the poll site once again.

"Dunn left prior to officers arriving, so officers worked with the complaining witness to seek warrants for second degree trespass, which was issued by the Magistrate," CMPD said.

Police are also working with court officials to determine if any additional laws were violated, CMPD said.