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A Roanoke Rapids man faces multiple drug trafficking charges after authorities say he fled from a traffic stop at speeds exceeding 100 mph, ran from agents on foot and discarded drugs as he attempted to escape.
Agents with the Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation Thursday, Aug. 13, on Virginia Avenue near Julian R. Allsbrook Highway in Roanoke Rapids.
The driver was identified as 28-year-old Devin Rashod Johnston of Roanoke Rapids.
According to the Task Force, agents were familiar with Johnston from previous encounters, including a 2024 traffic stop in which he was allegedly found in possession of a trafficking amount of fentanyl.
While speaking with Johnston during Thursday’s stop, agents said they developed probable cause to search his vehicle. When Johnston was asked to step out, however, authorities say he refused and accelerated away.
A vehicle pursuit followed through the South Rosemary area and south on N.C. Highway 48, with Johnston allegedly reaching speeds in excess of 100 mph.
The pursuit continued into the Grant Drive and Stonewall Drive areas before Johnston abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot.
Agents apprehended Johnston following a brief foot chase.
During the chase, authorities say Johnston threw approximately 170 grams of suspected methamphetamine and approximately 4 grams of suspected fentanyl onto the ground. Agents recovered the suspected drugs.
Information and evidence gathered during the pursuit led investigators to seek a search warrant for a residence on Texas Street in Roanoke Rapids associated with Johnston.
Task Force agents, assisted by the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division, executed the warrant and reported finding an additional 785 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
In total, authorities seized approximately 955 grams of suspected methamphetamine during the investigation.
Johnston was arrested and charged with:
- Three counts of trafficking methamphetamine
- Two counts of possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver methamphetamine
- Two counts of trafficking fentanyl
- Possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver fentanyl
- Felony possession of methamphetamine
- Two counts of felony maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for a controlled substance
- Felony fleeing to elude arrest
- Failure to heed a light or siren
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
Johnston was given a $70,000 secured bond and placed in the Halifax County Detention Center. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 22.
The Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force is comprised of deputies from the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Roanoke Rapids Police Department. The partnership combines personnel and resources from both agencies to investigate drug and gang activity in Halifax County.
Citizens can report suspected drug or gang activity to the Halifax Regional Drug and Gang Task Force at 252-991-9999.
