A Scotland Neck man faces multiple drug charges after police say he grabbed a bag containing suspected narcotics and fled on foot during a traffic stop Thursday afternoon.
According to the Scotland Neck Police Department, officers were conducting speed enforcement around 5 p.m. Aug. 27 in a residential area where the department had received multiple complaints about speeding.
Sgt. Bobbitt stopped a vehicle in the area of West 12th Street near Westhaven Avenue after observing it traveling above the posted speed limit.
Police identified the driver as Jamie Armstrong of Scotland Neck. During the stop, officers reported observing a child inside the vehicle who was not secured in a child restraint and detecting the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle.
Officers conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle, and another adult arrived at the scene to take custody of the child.
During the search, officers located a bag containing suspected illegal narcotics, according to the department. Police allege Armstrong then grabbed the bag and fled from officers on foot.
Officer Garcia pursued Armstrong and apprehended him a short time later without incident. Police said the bag containing the suspected narcotics was also recovered.
Armstrong was transported to the Halifax County Magistrate’s Office and charged with:
- Possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance
- Possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance
- Possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana
- Possession with intent to sell or deliver fentanyl
- Felony maintaining a vehicle
- Resisting a public officer
- Driving while license revoked
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- Speeding
- Failure to secure a child in the rear seat
Armstrong received a $100,000 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 23.
The Scotland Neck Police Department said the enforcement was part of its efforts to address community concerns and remove illegal narcotics from the community.
Anyone with information about suspected drug activity or other criminal activity may contact the Scotland Neck Police Department or Halifax County Crime Stoppers at 252-583-4444. Tips may be submitted anonymously.
All individuals charged with a crime are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
