The Roanoke Rapids Police Department reported the following, according to interim Chief Bobby Martin:
On March31, 2019 at approximately 8:00pm Officer Curtis Batchelor was stationary observing traffic when he noticed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed traveling North on Jackson St. Officer Batchelor pulled out behind the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop. Upon approaching the vehicle, he detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Officer Batchelor made contact with the driver and asked for his license and if there was any more marijuana in the vehicle in which the driver replied no. Officer Batchelor further explained why he was asking about the marijuana and eventually discovered 9.5 grams of marijuana in two separate bags in the center console. Jalik Fields 19, from Roanoke Rapids was cited for speeding (A45 in a 25 zone) and the misdemeanor marijuana possession and given an April 22, 2019 court date.
Officer Natara Velazquez assisted.
On March 30, 2019 at approximately 6:21pm PACE Officer Joe DeSAre was patrolling in the area of Drake st. when he noticed a suspicious vehicle and got behind it and checked the registration plate and discovered it was expired. Officer DeSare conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and approached the vehicle and requested the driver’s license and registration from the driver. Upon further investigation it was discovered the driver was not licensed and could not produce a license and also had an outstanding Order for his arrest. Officer DeSare at this time called for another vehicle in regards to having one subject under arrest and still having the passenger to deal with. Upon further checking of the passenger and the vehicle Officer DeSare discovers a marijuana cigarette in the floorboard where the passenger was sitting. The passenger is then taken into custody and a search of the car is conducted. During the search a mason jar filled with marijuana is located under the passenger seat that contained 35.2 grams of marijuana.
The driver was identified as James Johnston 27, of Roanoke Rapids and the passenger was identified as Daquan Harris 19, from the Weldon area. Both subjects were transported to Halifax and brought in front of the magistrate. Mr. Johnston was charged with (F) Possession with intent to sell and deliver, (M) possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia, (M) Maintaining a dwelling for CS. He was placed under a $7500 secured bond with 04-13-19 court date. Mr. Johnston was also served an OFA and placed under a $250 secured bond with a 04-17-19 court date. He was also cited for the expired tags and driving while license revoked.
Daquan Harris was charged with (M) possession of drug paraphernalia and placed under $500 secured bond with 04-13-19 court pending.
