Sheriff: Two suspects face charges after being apprehended following pursuit

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Two suspects face numerous charges, including animal cruelty, after being apprehended by Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Peggy Jenkins
Justin Deaton

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrests of Justin Nathaniel Deaton, 38, and Peggy Sue Jenkins, 51, both of Mocksville, in a news release Wednesday.

On Monday, October 18, ICSO deputies went to a location off of Bell Farm Road to follow up on a Crime Stoppers tip, Campbell said.

As the two deputies were turning onto Dogwood Estate Circle, Deputy Goforth observed a blue Ford Explorer traveling towards him and recognized the driver as Deaton, who had active warrants for his arrest, according to the news release.

Deputy Goforth activated his blue lights in an attempt to get the Deaton to stop. While attempting to flee, Deaton nearly struck Deputy Kent’s patrol car with the Explorer, Campbell said.

The deputies followed the Explorer south on Bell Farm Road, along Salisbury Road, and onto Nabors Road, where the vehicle was driven into a large field and became stuck, according to the news release.

Deaton got out of the vehicle and began running with Deputy Goforth and his K-9 Binji in pursuit, Campbell said.

Deaton was taken into custody a short time later. After securing Deaton, the deputies returned to the vehicle and provided care to Jenkins, who sustained injuries when the vehicle had become stuck.

Iredell County EMS personnel responded to the scene to provide additional medical treatment.

Deaton was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with felony flee to elude arrest, reckless driving to endanger, failure to stop at stop sign, eight Counts of misdemeanor abandonment of animals, cruelty to animals, felony conspire to traffic methamphetamine, felony probation violation, and driving while license revoked. Deaton appeared before Magistrate Watkins, who issued a $325,500 secured bond on these charges.

Jenkins was charged with four counts of cruelty to animals and four counts of misdemeanor abandonment of animals. Magistrate Imes issued a $4,500 secured bond on these charges.