CARTERET COUNTY, NC – Two men were arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 22 on several charges after being involved in a car chase in the Newport area.
Around 9:50 a.m., a North Carolina State Highway Patrol trooper tried to stop a red Jeep Grand Cherokee for a traffic violation, however, the driver refused to stop, which started the car chase.
The chase started near the intersection of Hibbs Road and K-7 Lane in Newport and ended when the driver crashed the vehicle into a utility pole near Hibbs Road.
Neither inside the suspect car were injured as a result of the crash, but the vehicle was disabled. The driver, Tyrone Jerome Lea of Havelock, 34, was immediately taken into custody by Morehead City police officers. A passenger, Juan Jauregui of Morehead City, 27, fled from the vehicle but was taken into custody by sheriff’s office deputies after a brief foot pursuit.
Both individuals were taken to the Carteret County Jail.
While taking inventory of the crashed vehicle, law enforcement found 42 grams of suspected fentanyl and drug paraphernalia.
Lea is charged with trafficking opium or heroin, fleeing to elude arrest, and reckless driving. His bond is $1,015,000.
Jauregui is charged with trafficking opium or heroin. His bond is $1,105,000.
Also assisting at the scene were officers with the Newport Police Department.
