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A Confusing Case in North Carolina: What Really Happened?

Zebulon, North Carolina, USAMonday, December 22, 2025
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Austin Thomas Herber, 27, is accused of hate crimes and kidnapping, but details remain unclear.

Incident Overview

  • Accused: Austin Thomas Herber
  • Charges: Assault, pointing a gun, kidnapping, threats, and ethnic intimidation
  • Location: North Carolina

The Incident

  • A black car allegedly hit Herber's white truck and attempted to drive away.
  • Herber is accused of assaulting the men in the other vehicle and pointing a gun at them.
  • The most severe charges involve ethnic intimidation, suggesting racial or national targeting.

Witness Accounts

Emma Larson

  • Witness in Herber's truck
  • Claims she woke up to see blood everywhere after the crash.
  • Says the men in the other car tried to escape.

Jessica Thompson (Bar Owner)

  • Did not see a gun or Herber hitting anyone.
  • Saw Herber telling the men not to leave the scene.

Police Response

  • Zebulon Police Department has not clarified how they determined hate crime charges.
  • Many questions remain unanswered.

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