Sheriff: Suspect faces gun and drug charges after traffic stop

Posted on by Mike Fuhrman
Evidence seized by ICSO deputies.

FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Statesville man face felony drug and gun charges after being stopped for a traffic violation by an Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputy.

Avery Barker

Sheriff Darren Campbell announced the arrest of Avery O’Bryant Barker, 26, of Oak Grove Road, Statesville, in a news release Friday. 

Deputy T. Sharpe, who is assigned to the ICSO Aggressive Criminal Enforcement Team, stopped a 2006 BMW X5 for a traffic violation on Sigmon Road east of Statesville on Tuesday, October 24, Campbell said.

While Deputy Sharpe was speaking to Barker, who was driving the vehicle, he admitted to possessing marijuana, according to the news release.

The deputy searched the vehicle and located 26.80 grams of marijuana, .36 grams of cocaine, digital scales, and a concealed handgun, Campbell said.

As Deputy Sharpe was attempting to arrest Barker, the suspect pulled away and ran on foot from Sharpe Deputy G. Wiedenmann pursued Barker and was able to apprehend him a short distance away, according to the news release. Once Barker was in custody, he continued to resist even with his hands handcuffed behind his back, the sheriff said.

Barker was taken to the Iredell County Detention Center, where he was charged with Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Felony Possession of Cocaine, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for a Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana, Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor Carrying a Concealed Gun, Misdemeanor Resisting a Public Officer, and Misdemeanor Driving While License Revoked.

Barker then appeared before Magistrate P. Callejas, who issued a $15,0000 secured bond on the charges.

According to the ICSO, the suspect’s criminal history includes the following charges Misdemeanor Resisting a Public Officer, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia, Misdemeanor Maintaining a Vehicle for a Controlled Substance, Misdemeanor Assault on a Female, and Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana.