Drug Suspect Arrested Following Brief Manhunt On I-40

A Johnston County Trooper made a traffic stop in I-40 in the Meadow community on Tuesday night and ended up arresting a passenger in the car who jumped and ran.

The trooper saw a car on the interstate driving below the posted speed limit and failing to maintain lane control so he conducted a routine traffic stop.

While speaking with the driver, the passenger suddenly bolted from the car and ended up trying to elude officers by crossing a swamp.

The Trooper waited with the detained driver until other law enforcement officers arrived then assisted with the manhunt with the aid of a Johnston County SO K-9 unit.

The K-9 was able to lead officers to the suspect who was found to be in possession of 70 grams of heroin.  The name of the suspect was not released before our news deadline today. The man was charged with two counts of drug trafficking, among other less serious charges.

The suspect was held on a $305,000 bond.