MMA instructor accused of pointing gun at police officer’s head

Charleston police on Friday accused a mixed martial arts instructor of pointing a pistol at an officer’s head.

Matthew Robinson, 39, of Lake Mallard Boulevard, Mount Pleasant, is charged with pointing a firearm.

According to a police incident report, Robinson owns a business at 1250 Wappoo Road. That address is listed as Charleston Krav Maga, a martial arts studio in West Ashley, according to the business’ website. Robinson is listed as a certified MMA instructor.

Shortly before 3 a.m., police observed a dark sport utility vehicle as it backed into a grassy area off of Wappoo Road and Sam Rittenberg Boulevard, the report states.

That area is known for burglaries and car break-ins, according to the report. Police decided to question the SUV’s driver.

Police tapped on the SUV’s driver’s side window, and saw a man asleep inside.

Officers tapped on the window again, which woke the man.

An officer in full uniform told the man he needed to speak with him. Instead of rolling down the window, however, the man brandished a pistol from beneath a blanket and pointed it at the officer’s head, the report states.

The officer ducked to the ground and called for backup, the report states.

The man ultimately obeyed police orders to drop the weapon and raise his hands in the air.

Once in handcuffs, the man denied that he had a gun, despite the weapon being in plain sight on the vehicle’s center console, the report states.

Police also saw a shotgun leaned against the front passenger’s seat, according to the report.

The driver smelled of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech, the report said.

He was charged booked into the Charleston County jail to await a bond hearing, which was scheduled for this morning.