State v. Starr, 209 N.C. App. 106 (Jan. 4, 2011)

In a case involving assault on a firefighter with a firearm, there was sufficient evidence that the defendant committed an assault. To constitute an assault, it is not necessary that the victim be placed in fear; it is enough if the act was sufficientto put a person of reasonable firmness in apprehension of immediate bodily harm. “It is an assault, without regard to the aggressor's intention, to fire a gun at another or in the direction in which he is standing.” Here, the defendant shot twice at his door while firefighters were attempting to force it open and fired again in the direction of the firefighters after they forced entry. The defendant knew that people were outside the door and shot the door to send a warning.