Soldier armed with rifle arrested in Fayetteville mall

Authorities say a Fort Bragg soldier has been charged with creating a panic at a Fayetteville mall after appearing there with an assault rifle and other military gear.

Fayetteville police say Bryan Scott Wolfinger, 25, was arrested and charged with “going armed to the terror of the public” in connection with Thursday’s incident at Cross Creek Mall in Fayetteville. A statement from the Fayetteville Police Department says Wolfinger was preparing to have photographs taken with the military equipment and rifle when 911 calls were received.

Wolfinger apparently is a soldier stationed at Fort Bragg. The statement said he was released to his company commander and provost marshal at Fort Bragg.

This story was originally published July 3, 2015 at 4:44 PM with the headline "Soldier armed with rifle arrested in Fayetteville mall."