An Emporia man who the Halifax County Sheriff’s says tossed a gun into a flower pot Thursday afternoon faces several charges.
The arrest of Farrakan Merrill, 31, occurred after Community Action Team Sergeant G. Martin observed seat belt violations in the vehicle the Emporia man was driving in the area of West Tenth Street and Zoo Road.
Martin stopped the vehicle and believed Merrill gave him a false name.
When Merrill stepped out of the vehicle, he fled.
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With assistance from CAT Sergeant D. Harrison and detective G. Keel, the foot chase ensued and Merrill was observed reaching into his pockets attempting to grab an object which he placed in the flower pot.
Martin and Keel caught Merrill and took him into custody. A handgun was located in the pot.
Merrill is a convicted felon as well as a Virginia fugitive for burglary.
Martin charged Merrill with possession of a firearm by felon, two counts of resisting a public officer, carrying a concealed firearm, failure to wear a seatbelt, and a fugitive warrant for the Virginia violation.
Merrill received a $6,000 secured bond for the Halifax County charges and was jailed without the opportunity for bond on the fugitive warrant. Extradition is pending and he remains in the Halifax County Detention Center awaiting a Tuesday district court date.
Officers with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department also responded to assist.
