Roanoke Rapids Police Department Deputy Chief Andy Jackson said Cequan O’Neill Alston faces charges of flee to elude arrest, no operator’s license, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.
He was released on $2,500 secured bond and has a December 21 court date.
A passenger with Alston, Trevor Dondrell Johnson, 26, was charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia. Johnson, of Roanoke Rapids, also has a December 21 court date.
The chase began shortly before 12:45 p.m. when Chief Chuck Hasty was following up on a drug complaint on Gordon Drive in the South Rosemary area.
Hasty attempted to stop a 1994 Toyota Camry parked at the corner of Gordon Drive and Oak Street. As Hasty exited his car, Alston, 19, of Roanoke Rapids, sped off. Jackson said Hasty could reportedly smell marijuana coming from the vehicle before the driver sped off.
Hasty pursued the vehicle to Highway 158 where Alston ran a red light and collided with another vehicle at the Zoo Road-158 intersection.
Alston and Johnson were treated for minor injuries and the driver of the vehicle Alston struck did not sustain serious injuries.