Arrest made after FEMA crews forced to relocate amid reported threats over hurricane relief efforts

As the nearly 65,000 residents of hard-hit Rutherford County, North Carolina, struggle to clear endless mud and debris left behind by Hurricane Helene, help hit a roadblock. Federal Emergency Management Agency crews were forced to relocate due to a reported armed threat against workers, first reported by The Washington Post.

An email sent by the U.S. Forest Service to federal responders in Rutherford County alerted them of an apparent standdown after National Guard troops reportedly encountered armed militia saying they were "hunting FEMA."

One person has been arrested in connection to the threat, CBS News confirmed on Monday.

Out of an abundance of caution, FEMA said its disaster assistance teams were being stationed at fixed locations instead of going door-to-door, which has been the agency's common practice in the past.

"FEMA continues to support communities impacted by Helene and help survivors apply for assistance. For the safety of our dedicated staff and the disaster survivors we are helping, FEMA has made some operational adjustments. Disaster Recovery Centers will continue to be open as scheduled, survivors continue to register for assistance, and we continue to help the people of North Carolina with their recovery," FEMA said in a statement to CBS News.

In a statement to CBS News, the Rutherford County Sheriff's Office said they received a call Saturday afternoon that said a man with an assault rifle had made a comment about possibly harming FEMA employees working on recovery efforts in the Lake Lure and Chimney Rock area. Deputies alerted the Lake Lure Police Department and other agencies of the threat.

The man suspected of making the threat was identified as William Parsons, 44, of Bostic, North Carolina. He was arrested and charged with going armed to the terror of the public.

The sheriff's office said Parsons was armed with a handgun and a rifle when he was arrested. He was released on a $10,000 bond.

"The initial report stated there was a truck load of militia that was involved," the sheriff's office said. "However, after further investigation, it was determined Parsons acted alone and there were no truck loads of militia going to Lake Lure."