Deputies: Man Tries to Run Over Detective, Ex-Wife, Son

Sanford, N.C. — A Sanford man wanted for assaulting his ex-wife and son escaped after trying to run over a detective Thursday night.

Sgt. C.R. Babb, with the Lee County Sheriff's Office, attempted to pull over Dean Michael Varner outside his home at 1356 John Rosser Road around 10:15 p.m.

Babb wanted to serve Varner on outstanding warrants for three counts of assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a child under 12 and injury to property.

Varner tried to run over Babb with his 1993 Chevrolet truck, deputies said. His truck jumped a ditch, and Varner escaped on foot.

Varner's ex-wife, Amanda, told the sheriff's office Wednesday that Varner had twice struck her vehicle on Black's Travel Road. Two passengers were in her car at the time – including the couple's 1-year-old son.

Detectives additionally charged Varner with assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, driving with a revoked license and failure to stop for blue lights and siren.

Anyone who knows Varner's whereabouts should call the Lee County Sheriff's Department at 919-718-4563.