On March 20, 2026, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to Cross Creek Rd. in Asheboro, in reference to a welfare check.   While enroute, deputies were notified by Randolph County Communications that the subjects on scene were involved in a vehicle collision and one of the subjects involved had a warrant for arrest. Upon arrival, deputies were able to locate a truck that had intentionally collided into a sedan pinning it against a tree. The driver of the truck was identified as Jonathan Ray Cranford. The sedan was occupied during the incident, but no injuries were reported.   

Following an investigation of the incident, Jonathan Ray Cranford was arrested and transported to the Randolph County Detention Center, where the magistrate found probable cause for two counts of felony second-degree kidnapping, two counts of misdemeanor communicating threats, two counts of misdemeanor assault with a deadly weapon, and misdemeanor injury to personal property.  He was issued no bond.  

Jason Scott Gutierrez was located during the incident and arrested due to having an outstanding felony warrant for possession of methamphetamine.  He received no bond. 

A first appearance was set for March 23, 2026, in Randolph County District Court for both subjects.  

Name of Defendants: 

Jason Scott Gutierrez   Age: 46                                     

Jonathan Ray Cranford   Ag e: 42