Whiteville Police: Two arrested after driver flees traffic stop

WHITEVILLE, NC (WWAY) — Whiteville police say two people were arrested Monday after a driver fled a traffic stop involving a vehicle connected to an armed robbery investigation.

According to the Whiteville Police Department, Columbus Central notified officers at about 3:30 p.m. on July 13 that a vehicle linked to an armed robbery was traveling into Columbus County on U.S. 74/76 from Wilmington.

About 10 to 15 minutes later, officers located a vehicle matching the description and confirmed it using the registration plate. Police attempted to stop the vehicle near the 700 block of North Thompson Street.

Officers said they briefly spoke with the occupants before the driver sped away.

Police said the vehicle traveled about 1.75 miles before stopping near Ward Street. The driver and passenger then got out and ran from officers.

Both were taken into custody after a brief foot chase.

Police identified the driver as 37-year-old Andre Alexander Freeman of Whiteville. He was charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, felony fleeing to elude arrest and resisting arrest.

The passenger, 34-year-old Marissa Garcia of Whiteville, was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting arrest.

Both were transported to the Columbus County Law Enforcement Center.

Police said the vehicle was connected to an armed robbery investigation but did not release additional information about that case.