An accused drug dealer who led local authorities on a chase is now in custody charged with a number of illegal-drug offenses and traffic violations.
Eric Rowe, 42, of Johnson Branch Road, Goldsboro, is charged with Fleeing to Elude Arrest, Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance with the Intent to Sell and Deliver, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Resisting a Public Officer, Driving While Impaired, Driving While License Revoked, Damage to Property, and Expired Registration.
Members of the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office DWI Taskforce, Wayne County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division – D Shift – and a member of the Goldsboro Police Department GHSP Traffic Unit were participating in a DWI checkpoint at the intersection of Wayne Memorial Drive and Hare Road.
Authorities say that just before midnight Rowe approached in his vehicle and stopped short of the checkpoint on the highway. The Sheriff’s Office report notes Rowe then made a U-turn in an obvious attempt to avoid the checkpoint and Deputy M. A. Bleyer began pursuit. After a few seconds with his lights and siren activated and the suspect refusing to stop, Deputy Bleyer advised over the radio of the pursuit.
Several deputies began in Deputy Bleyer’s direction to aid in the pursuit and apprehension of Rowe. A short time later, approximately ¼ mile, the suspect turned left into an apartment complex in the 3800 block of Wayne Memorial Drive. Deputy Bleyer attempted to arrest the suspect when he reportedly began actively resisting. This resistance resulted in the suspect gaining in distance from his vehicle as he was moving towards the apartments.
After a struggle Rowe was taken into custody. Authorities say located on Rowe’s person was approximately 28 grams of suspected cocaine, a digital scale, and U.S. currency. According to the law enforcement report, more suspected cocaine and medication was found inside the interior of Rowe’s vehicle.
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