ELIZABETHTOWN —A joint effort between Elizabethtown Police Department, Bladen County Sheriff’s Office and the N.C. Department of Public Safety, Probation & Parole resulted in two arrests of convicted felons on drug and firearm charges.
The agencies worked with a warrantless search of a residence on South Lower Street in Elizabethtown on Wednesday at about 6 p.m..
“Brandon Quinnard Ward, who resides at the residence, is currently on probation for possession of drug paraphernalia and is subject to warrantless searches,” Elizabethtown Interim Police Chief Kip Hester said. “Upon arrival at the residence officers located and detained Ward and heard what sounded like someone jumping out of a window at the residence.”
He added that a short foot chase ensued and another suspect, Patrick Tremaine Rhodie of South Lower Street was apprehended.
“Rhodie was wanted on outstanding narcotics-related warrants resulting from a street-level narcotics investigation conducted earlier in the year.” Hester said. “Officers also located a small amount of suspected cocaine that was discarded by Rhodie during the pursuit.”
Officers searched the residence and located a semi-automatic handgun, ammunition, oxycodone, and drug paraphernalia in Wards’ bedroom.
Officers arrested Ward and charged him with probation violation, possession of firearm by a felon, trafficking opium, possession of cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. His bond was set at $66,000.
Officers also arrested Rhodie and charged him with possession of firearm by felon, trafficking opium, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to sell/distribute cocaine, manufacturing cocaine, selling cocaine, delivering cocaine, and resisting a public officer. His bond was set at $127,500.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.