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Manuel Jose Fernando Diaz, 50, was charged with assault and trespassing after the incident around 2 p.m. Saturday, said Valdese Police Chief Marc Sharpe. Police said Diaz does not have a home.

Sharpe said Diaz walked onto a property on Bounous Street and started yelling at the owner. When the owner asked him to leave, Diaz's hit the homeowner's face with his fist. The homeowner pinned Diaz down on the driveway until police arrived, Sharpe said. The homeowner didn't have any apparent injury.

Jail records show Diaz was being held at the Burke County Jail without bond on Monday until he could be seen by a judge.

Diaz, a man experiencing homelessness, has been charged several times with trespassing, jail records showed.

Homelessness at top of mind for Valdese residents

In a recent survey conducted by the Western Piedmont Council of Governments, about 42% of respondents said Valdese's drug and homeless advisory task force should be a top priority.

Sharpe, a member of the task force that was created in January 2024, said the group has been working to find resources to help people without homes in the community.

So far, the task force has helped 11 people, sending several to long-term rehab facilities and helping the others find housing and jobs. Three of those people have died.

Sharp said the task force helps connect people experiencing homelessness with resources available for food, medicine and getting important documents like Social Security cards.

Those facing addiction issues have been connected with different drug programs like Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program.

Sharpe said he estimates the town had about 30 people experiencing homelessness when the task force was created. He said today, he thinks there are fewer than 20 people experiencing homelessness living in the town.