A Brooklet man who thought a friend was stealing his truck was arrested on aggravated assault charges after he pulled a knife, Brooklet Police Chief Mike Buchan said.
    Ernest Dale Stokes, 69, of North Cromley Road, and the victim were driving back home from South Carolina earlier Wednesday night, and Stokes reportedly consumed a 12-pack of beer, the victim told Brooklet police Officer Jonathan McGahee.
    McGahee responded to the victim’s home around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday. Buchan said  the victim had been driving Stokes truck, and when they arrived at Stokes’ home and exited the truck, Stokes began cursing and accusing the victim of trying to steal the truck.
    “The victim yelled his name, trying to get Stokes to realize who he was,” but Stokes did not appear to understand, Buchan said.
    Stokes then pulled a knife on the victim, but stumbled and fell. The victim, whom Buchan did not identify, left and went home, where his grandson called police, the chief said.
    After McGahee spoke with the victim and other witnesses, he went Stokes’ home and placed him under arrest on aggravated assault charges.
    Stokes was taken to the Bulloch County Jail, where he later posted bond, according to jail records.
    Buchan said Stokes has a history of alcohol-related charges and was arrested in December 2010 on charges of reckless conduct, public intoxication and carrying a concealed weapon.

    Holli Deal Bragg  may be reached at (912) 489-9414.