Man Accused Of Tossing Drugs From Vehicle

Smithfield Man Charged After Allegedly Fleeing Deputies

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — A Smithfield man is facing multiple drug and traffic charges after deputies said he attempted to evade officers and discarded suspected narcotics from his vehicle during a traffic stop.

The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. June 11 while members of the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office SAFE Team and Narcotics Division were conducting an enforcement operation on Veterans Parkway near Interstate 40.

According to authorities, deputies observed a Chevrolet Impala displaying a fictitious license plate and attempted to stop the vehicle on Son-Lan Parkway.

Investigators said the driver refused to stop and instead drove through the parking lots of a fast-food restaurant and a convenience store in an apparent attempt to avoid law enforcement.

During the encounter, deputies reportedly observed a bag being thrown from the vehicle.

The vehicle eventually stopped and deputies took the driver into custody.

Authorities identified the driver as 42-year-old Jerome Watson of Dupree Road, Smithfield.

Deputies later recovered the discarded bag and reported finding approximately 22.9 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 2.1 ounces of suspected marijuana and drug paraphernalia inside.

Watson was charged with possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a controlled substance, possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, driving while license revoked, fleeing to elude arrest, resisting a public officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, and displaying a fictitious or revoked registration plate.

He was transported to the Johnston County Detention Center following his arrest.