Man Arrested After Deputies Find Blue Lights, Firearms In Car

JOHNSTON COUNTY – A Columbus County man was arrested after Johnston County sheriff’s deputies said they discovered emergency-style lights, multiple firearms and drugs during an investigation of a suspicious vehicle near Interstate 40.

Deputies were dispatched around 12:48 a.m. Friday, Jan. 30 to Veterans Parkway in the Cleveland community following a report of a suspicious vehicle, according to the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said deputies located a vehicle occupied by William Samuel Faircloth Jr., 54, of Hallsboro, and found operational blue and white lights mounted inside the windshield — equipment restricted to authorized law enforcement vehicles.

A search of the vehicle also revealed a handgun, a shotgun and drug paraphernalia, deputies said.

Faircloth was taken into custody and transported to the Johnston County Detention Center. During intake processing, officers discovered approximately 8 grams of suspected methamphetamine concealed on him.

Faircloth was charged with felony possession of a firearm by a felon, felony possession of a controlled substance on prison or jail premises, misdemeanor use of a red or blue light, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.

He was being held under a $35,000 secured bond.