FROM STAFF REPORTS

A Statesville man who was wanted for felony drug charges was apprehended Wednesday by Statesville Police Department officers.

Victor Juan Flores-Luna, 18, was taken into custody when officers executed a search warrant at 219 Oak Grove Road, according to an SPD news release.

The suspect has avoided arrest since August 15, 2022, when the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office filed a secure custody order.

The secure custody order stemmed from charges of possession with the intent to sell or deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana and being in possession of an AR-15 pistol, police said.

When officers arrived at the residence Wednesday, Flores-Luna fled out the back door, but was taken into custody after a short foot pursuit, according to the news release.

While checking the path that Flores-Luna took to see if any contraband was discarded, officers observed marijuana in plain sight in the basement through the open door that Flores-Luna fled through, police said.

Officers obtained an additional search warrant for the residence and located approximately 787.1 grams of marijuana, two Glock pistols, and an AR-15 style pistol, according to the news release.

Flores-Luna was taken before the magistrate, where he received a $30,000 secured bond for the charges of possession with the intent to sell or deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, and felony maintaining a dwelling for the use or sale of a controlled substance.