FROM STAFF REPORTS

An Ohio man faces more than a dozen felony charges, including drug trafficking, after he crashed an SUV while being pursued by Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Michael Lamar Gaines, 39, of Akron, Ohio, in a news release Thursday.

On Monday, February 6, deputies assigned to the ICSO Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team attempted to stop an Audi SUV with a temporary Ohio tag for a traffic violation on Interstate 77 South near the 62-mile marker.

The driver of the vehicle refused to stop for deputies and then exited the Interstate onto Tomlin Mill Road, where he wrecked into an embankment and fled on foot, Campbell said.

Gaines was arrested after a brief foot pursuit, the sheriff said.

Deputies searched the suspect’s SUV and located over one pound of crystal methamphetamine, over 92 grams of a heroin/fentanyl mixture, over 72 grams of Cocaine, numerous Oxycodone pills, approximately four pounds of marijuana and THC edibles, multiple Alprazolam pills, a loaded 9mm pistol with an extended magazine, and $9,000, according to the news release.

After further investigation, deputies learned Gaines was wanted in Ohio for aggravated drug trafficking and parole violations. Deputies also learned that Gaines had a lengthy criminal history and was a convicted felon, meaning he was prohibited him from possessing firearms.

Gaines was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with two counts of Felony Trafficking Methamphetamine, two counts of Felony Trafficking Cocaine, two counts of Felony Trafficking Heroin, two counts of Felony Trafficking Opioids, Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine, Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Cocaine, Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Heroin, Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Schedule II, Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Marijuana, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for Sale of Controlled Substance, Felony Flee to Elude in a Motor Vehicle, Felony Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Misdemeanor Possession Schedule IV, and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Gaines was taken before Magistrate S. Nicholson, who issued a $1 million bond on the Iredell County charges. Gaines was also served Fugitive Warrants out of Ohio, where Magistrate Nicholson issued him a no bond.