A Princeton man was arrested Monday evening after leading Johnston County deputies on a brief high speed pursuit. Officers were dispatched to a Pine Level area convenience store for a report of a suspicious person outside the business. A deputy arrived and spotted Timothy Anquan Saunders, of S. Powell Street, Princeton inside a BMW in the parking lot. Saunders, who was wanted on an outstanding warrant for failure to appear in court, began to leave and the deputy conducted a traffic stop.
The officer approached the BMW and informed Saunders there was a warrant for his arrest and to step out of the car. Saunders reportedly replied “call my lawyer” then sped out of the parking lot onto Highway 70.
The deputy began pursuing the vehicle eastbound at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour. The chase entered the Princeton city limits where Princeton Police began assisting. Saunders reportedly jumped and ran from his vehicle but was quickly captured.
Saunders was transported to the Johnston County Jail where detention staff allegedly found 1.9 grams of suspected cocaine in his possession.
Saunders was charged with felony fleeing to elude arrest, failure to heed for a light and siren, possession of cocaine, possession of a controlled substance in jail, and several traffic violations. He was also served with two warrants for failure to appear in court on larceny and resisting a public officer charges.
Saunders is no stranger to law enforcement. In February 2021, Smithfield Police said the 32 year-old man was involved in three hit and run accidents, one resulting in an injury to an innocent victim.
Saunders was held Monday night in the Johnston County Jail on a $1,004,000 bond. The BMW he was operating was seized.
He needs to go by by for life.