The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate a case in which a passenger fled on foot from a vehicle following a traffic stop in the area of Halifax Community College this morning.

Trooper J.T. Keeter said the traffic stop occurred around 10:15. The vehicle was stopped due to a registration violation.

While talking to the driver, there was a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, Keeter said.

During the encounter with the occupants, the passenger fled on foot within the vicinity of the college, which implemented security precautions.

Keeter said there was no evidence the passenger had any weapons and the general population wasn’t in danger. The college lifted the security precautions between 11:15 and 11:30.

Keeter said troopers are still trying to identify the passenger and charges will be filed following his capture.

The driver was cited for a registration violation.

Keeter and troopers S. Smith and C. Wheeler investigated the matter and Weldon and Roanoke Rapids police assisted, along with the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office.