Wilson Man Arrested Following Narcotics Investigation Incident

KENLY, N.C. — What began as an attempted narcotics arrest at a Johnston County truck stop quickly turned into a chaotic confrontation involving damaged law enforcement vehicles, a foot chase near Interstate 95, and multiple felony charges.

The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office said undercover narcotics agents encountered 28-year-old Preante Montrell Whitfield of Wilson on May 14 at BigBoy’s Truck Stop on Bagley Road.

Investigators said Whitfield was sitting inside a vehicle at the gas pumps when agents moved in to detain him. As officers positioned their vehicles around the suspect’s car, Whitfield allegedly threw the vehicle into reverse and slammed into three sheriff’s office vehicles in an attempt to escape.

Authorities said Whitfield then abandoned the vehicle and ran from the scene. He was captured a short distance away, approximately 100 yards from the truck stop near Interstate 95.

Following the arrest, agents reportedly recovered about 15 grams of suspected cocaine, 3.3 grams of fentanyl, and an undisclosed amount of cash.

Officials also confirmed Whitfield was on federal probation at the time of the incident.

Whitfield is charged with nine criminal offenses, including three counts of assault with a deadly weapon on a government official, possession with intent to sell or deliver a controlled substance, delivery of cocaine, maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for controlled substances, and resisting arrest.

He was confined in the Johnston County Detention Center without bond.