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JACKSON – Pot, cocaine, and firearms, including one listed as stolen, were seized during saturated patrols by narcotic units over a recent two-day span in Northampton County.

Captain C.A. Parker with the Narcotics Unit of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office said three adult males and two male juveniles were involved in a trio of incidents that took place on opposite ends of the county. He added that narcotics agents with the sheriff’s offices in Northampton and Halifax counties jointly conducted the saturated patrols in Gaston, Woodland, and Rich Square areas.

On June 30, Agent D.J. Epperson attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Cadillac for a motor vehicle violation in the area of NC 46 near Warner Bridge Road, Gaston. The vehicle failed to stop for blue lights and siren.

Following a short vehicle pursuit, a back seat passenger exited the car and ran on foot carrying a book bag. After a brief foot chase, a juvenile was apprehended by Epperson and Parker. The male was found in possession of marijuana and a .45 caliber handgun.

Parker said a juvenile petition will be filed at a later date. He added that the vehicle traveled into Virginia. The identity of its other occupants is unknown.

On the same day, Agents R.T. Horton and B.J. Murphy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Kia passenger car in the Gaston area. Parker said the vehicle pulled off the road and into the parking lot of a store, but it then took off as the two agents gave chase.

While agents were in pursuit, a bystander reported seeing one of the occupants of the Kia toss out a firearm.

The pursuit ended in the area of Louis McGlen Road in Gaston at which time Tylek Smallwood and Teven Vincent, both age 19, were found in possession of THC edibles.

Lieutenant A. Roye of the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office recovered the firearm, a Taurus G2c pistol, thrown from the vehicle. That weapon was determined as stolen from Chocowinity via information obtained through Northampton County Central Communications.

Horton arrested and charged Smallwood for possession of a stolen firearm. Smallwood was jailed under a $5,000 bond.

Horton also arrested and charged Vincent for felony flee to elude, possession of a stolen firearm, and felony possession of schedule VI. Vincent was given a $2,500 bond.

Both men are scheduled to make court appearances on July 20.

On July 1, Agent Horton observed a vehicle operating with no headlights in the Rich Square area. Horton attempted to conduct a traffic stop for the violation. A short pursuit ensued which resulted in a juvenile exiting the vehicle running on foot carrying a bookbag.

After a brief foot chase, the juvenile was apprehended by Horton. The juvenile was found in possession of three firearms – a pair of Ruger 5.7 pistols and one PSA AR pistol – along with marijuana, crack cocaine, and cocaine.

Captain A. Harris with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office pursued the vehicle, which later came to a complete stop. The driver was later identified as Michael Eason Jr., age 27, of Woodland. Horton arrested and charged Eason with felony flee to elude. Eason was given a $500 bond and a July 20 court date.

Parker said Horton will follow up with this investigation and a juvenile petition will be filed.

During the operation, Parker said a total of 470 grams of marijuana, six grams of crack cocaine, five grams of powdered cocaine, and drug paraphernalia were seized along with the firearms.

“The combination of Halifax and Northampton County Sheriff offices has created a synergy that is crippling illegal drug operations in our counties. The narcotics units for Halifax and Northampton will continue to work hand-in-hand to eliminate these illegal activities within our communities,” said Parker.

When asked about the involvement of juveniles in these cases, Parker said it was a practice among adult drug dealers to give juveniles the narcotics and firearms to hold because, if apprehended, the judicial sentence is lighter on those who are under age 16.

“Also note if the adult is a convicted felon and are in possession of a firearm, they are bound to be sent to federal prison,” Parker said.