Two men face drug, stolen vehicle charges after chase across state line

TABOR CITY, NC (WWAY) — Two men were arrested after a pursuit connected to recent breaking and entering and larceny investigations in Columbus County  crossed into South Carolina.

The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office said detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division attempted a traffic stop May 11 on a vehicle believed to be connected to recent property crimes in Columbus County.

Investigators said the driver refused to stop, leading deputies on a pursuit through Tabor City and into Horry County. Authorities said the vehicle eventually crashed and both suspects ran off before being taken into custody.

During the investigation, detectives said one suspect discarded a firearm while running from deputies. Investigators also said they found trafficking amounts of fentanyl and cocaine inside the vehicle.

The vehicle, identified as a GMC Denali 2500, was later confirmed stolen from Robeson County, according to investigators.

The suspects were identified as Aaron Gore of Tabor City and George Herman Rowell, also known as “Dusty,” of Loris, South Carolina. Deputies said both men had outstanding felony warrants at the time of their arrests.

Gore faces several charges in North Carolina, including felony larceny, trafficking a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of a firearm by a felon, possession of stolen property and felony conspiracy.

Rowell faces charges including breaking and entering, felony larceny, felony fleeing to elude arrest, trafficking a Schedule I controlled substance, possession of a stolen motor vehicle and resisting a public officer.

Both suspects were taken to the J. Reuben Long Detention Center in Horry County and are expected to face additional charges in South Carolina before extradition to North Carolina.