Man Wanted From July Chase Captured In Southern Johnston County

JOHNSTON COUNTY – A chance encounter with a deputy on patrol triggered an extensive search for a man wanted since a vehicle pursuit last month.

Michael Angel Roca-Rivera, 34, of Eldridge Road, Dunn, was eventually located in a wooded, swampy area near N.C. 96 South and Eldridge Road in southern Johnston County.

Authorities said Roca-Rivera had been wanted since July 15, when he allegedly fled from deputies during a vehicle pursuit and avoided arrest.

Then, on Aug. 14, a deputy on routine patrol reportedly spotted Roca-Rivera riding a bicycle.

When the deputy attempted to make contact, authorities said Roca-Rivera tried to pedal away before abandoning the bicycle and running into a heavily wooded and swampy area.

A large search followed.

Officers searched the area on the ground, while a N.C. State Highway Patrol helicopter assisted from the air.

Roca-Rivera was located and taken into custody the following day.

He faces multiple charges, including felony fleeing to elude arrest, felony possession of a controlled substance, resisting a public officer, hit-and-run, failure to report an accident, driving while license revoked and felony probation violation, along with other offenses.