Armed international fugitive arrested after DWI checkpoint in Columbus County
CERRO GORDO, NC (WWAY) –A traffic stop during a checkpoint in Columbus County led to the arrest of an armed international fugitive wanted for homicide in Honduras, according to the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office.
According to a news release, on October 23, deputies with the Sheriff’s Office Heavy Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) were conducting a DWI checkpoint near Swamp Fox Highway West and Cherry Grove Road when a dark-colored Hummer refused to stop and turned abruptly onto Cherry Grove Road. Deputies chased the vehicle for several miles before it came to a slow stop near Peanut Worley Road.
Deputies say the driver, identified as Wilbor Alexis Castro Dominguez, showed signs of impairment and admitted to drinking alcohol. Field tests indicated a positive reading, and the sheriff’s office said deputies spotted several open alcoholic beverages inside the vehicle.
A search revealed a Glock handgun modified with a “switch” device, converting it into a fully automatic weapon classified under state law as a Weapon of Mass Destruction. Deputies also learned Dominguez was wanted by INTERPOL for homicide in Honduras.
The Sheriff’s Office coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to confirm the international warrant. Dominguez was taken to the Columbus County Detention Center, where his breath-alcohol concentration registered 0.10. He was ordered held without bond.
Dominguez faces the following charges:
- Felony possession of a weapon of mass destruction
- Misdemeanor driving while impaired
- Misdemeanor driving while license revoked
- Misdemeanor displaying fictitious registration
- Misdemeanor open container of alcohol violation
The Sheriff’s Office says it is working with the U.S. Department of Justice to coordinate with international authorities and begin extradition proceedings.
