Man arrested on cocaine charges following off-road chase through Columbus County

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — A man has been arrested on drug charges following an off-road chase in Columbus County.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Vice Narcotics Unit was following up on narcotics complaints in the eastern end of Columbus County Tuesday when they made a vehicle stop on Hallsboro Road near the Andrew Jackson Highway Overpass.

They say the driver of the vehicle failed to produce identification and subsequently sped off. The Narcotics Detectives began a pursuit down Hallsboro Road North, and onto Old Northeast Road. The driver of the vehicle led the chase for several miles at high speeds, both off road and back onto pavement in the St. James community.

After approximately three miles down the dirt private drive, the suspect ran from the vehicle and was taken into custody.

The driver was identified as Ricky Levell Mitchell of the St. James community. The Sheriff’s Office says a search of the vehicle yielded cocaine, and prescription pills.

Mitchell was transported to the Columbus County Detention Center and charged with Felony Flee to Elude Arrest with a Motor Vehicle, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Possession with Intent Sell and Distribute a Schedule III Controlled Substance, maintaining a Vehicle for Storing Narcotics, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Assault on a Government Official, and two counts of Resisting Public Officer.

Mitchell was out on bond from previous charges and was given no bond at the time of this arrest.