ROCKINGHAM — Sheriff Mark Gulledge is asking for the public’s help locating a suspect wanted on drug charges.
According to a press release issued Tuesday, deputies were patrolling East Rockingham around 3:05 a.m. on April 16 when they saw a white SUV turn and speed off after seeing the RCSO vehicles.
One of the deputies reportedly caught up with the SUV and noticed that it had a 30-day tag and busted tail light. The deputy flipped on his blue lights to stop the SUV, which reportedly pulled into the driveway of an abandoned house.
The driver, identified as 20-year-old Jaylon Montez Taylor reportedly got out of the SUV and fled on foot, with the deputy in pursuit. Taylor reportedly fell after jumping a fence, dropping a black box and a blue backpack.
According to the release, the box contained 43 grams of suspected cocaine and a digital scale, and the bag had 10 grams of suspected marijuana and four “unknown pills.”
While searching the vehicle, deputies reportedly found an additional 17 grams of cocaine and 87 grams of suspected marijuana in a black grocery bag, as well as a 7.62mm rifle in the back.
Deputies have obtained warrants for Taylor’s arrest.
Online court records show Taylor has several pending criminal charges including breaking and entering, damage to personal property, fleeing to elude arrest and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Anyone with information on his location is encouraged to call 911 or Richmond County Crime Stoppers at 910-997-5454.
