ROXOBEL – A local man wanted for an out-of-state sexual offense was taken into custody here on Wednesday.

According to North Carolina Highway Patrol First Sergeant K.P. Pitts, Clifton Earl Lee of Rich Square was taken into custody after an hour long chase.

Pitts said Trooper A.S. Genal pulled over a 1999 Chevy Monte Carlo for a seatbelt violation at approximately 11:30 a.m. The vehicle was heading east on Highway 308. The vehicle was stopped in front of the Roxobel Fire Department and Roxobel Town Hall.

After running Lee’s personal information through DCI (Division of Criminal Investigation), Genal discovered Lee was wanted in New Jersey for a sexual offense.

“When (Genal) went to take him (Lee) into custody he ran,” said Pitts.

Lee ran north from the scene through a residential area. Pitts said Highway Patrol cars responded from Halifax and Bertie counties to assist with the search for Lee.

Pitts said Lee was found an hour later in a wooded area near Roxobel and arrested.

Lee was taken to Bertie County Jail where he is awaiting extradition to New Jersey under a fugitive warrant.