Man Arrested After Alleged Assault On Date And Police Officer At Movie Theater

SMITHFIELD – What began as a date night at a local movie theater ended with a Johnston County man in handcuffs, facing assault charges — including one for allegedly striking a police officer.

Jalen Aaron Price, 23, of Barnes Landing Drive in Four Oaks, was arrested around 10:00 p.m. Friday, September 5 at Smithfield Cinemas on South Equity Drive. He is charged with the misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, assault on a female, and assault on a government official.

According to the Smithfield Police Department, an off-duty officer working security at the theater was approached by a 23-year-old woman who attempted to report a domestic incident involving Price, her date for the evening. As she began speaking to the officer, Price allegedly intervened — grabbing the woman by the arm and trying to pull her away.

The officer issued verbal commands for Price to stop. Instead, Price is accused of striking the officer on the arm.

Police say the officer deployed a Taser to subdue Price, who was then taken into custody without further incident.

No injuries were reported in the altercation.

Price was booked into the Johnston County Detention Center.