Marion County Justice of the Peace Lena Pope was on her way to conduct an inquest at Smith Bockmon Road in rural Marion County around 7 pm on Friday when she turned into the wrong driveway. Realizing her mistake, Judge Pope began to turn out of the driveway when the resident, Joseph L. Faulk, began firing shots at her.
Judge Pope made it out of the driveway without injury but discovered at least six bullet holes in her vehicle. Gunshots also shattered both the driver’s side backseat window and the back windshield.
Judge Pope called the Marion County Sheriff’s office for assistance, and numerous law enforcement officers responded. Marion County deputies, Texas Game Wardens, JPD officers, a Jefferson ISD police officer and members of the Mims EMS were all on the scene.
Faulk was arrested at his residence and is being held in the Marion County Jail on charges of Deadly Conduct and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, both third-degree felonies. His combined bond is set at $75,000.
A woman at the residence, Leska Pendly, was also arrested for an unrelated outstanding warrant.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office thanked all agencies that assisted in the response and investigation.
Photo from MCSO
