DOBBINS HEIGHTS — A Richmond County man is facing criminal charges and traffic citations after reportedly leading deputies on a vehicle-turned -foot chase over the weekend.
According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a shots-fired call on Earle Franklin Drive around 12:36 a.m. Sunday.
Investigators say the caller reported hearing gunshots and saw a blue vehicle “with a long gun visible” heading north of Dobbins Heights toward N.C. 177.
One of the responding deputies was reportedly driving south on the highway when he saw a southbound dark-colored vehicle, a 2005 Lexus LS430, that turned right onto Earle Franklin Drive.
A check of the license plate reportedly revealed that it was registered to a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer.
According to the sheriff’s office, the deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop as the driver, identified as 47-year-old Shelton La-kie Dewayne Griffin, turned onto Gordon Street.
Instead of stopping, investigators say Griffin accelerated and turned left onto Daniels Street, “running several stop signs before reaching BF Diggs Drive.” Griffin reportedly was driving 45 mph in a 35 mph zone until reaching a dead end on Morrow Street.
Griffin allegedly jumped from the car while it was still moving. The vehicle crashed into a tree and Griffin allegedly ran into the woods.
Investigators say Griffin failed to comply with multiple commands from deputies to stop, leading deputies into a yard on Rose Street where he fell and surrendered “by raising his hands.”
Deputies charged Griffin with fleeing to elude arrest, two counts of resisting a public officer and driving while license revoked. The defendant was also cited for multiple traffic infractions: speeding; having a fictitious or altered title, registration card or tag; failing to heed a light or siren; operating a vehicle with no insurance; failing to stop at a stop sign or flashing red light; and driving without two headlamps.
Court records in the case also include an affidavit for seizure and impoundment/ magistrate’s order, stating that the vehicle be held “pending further orders of the court.”
Investigators say there was no evidence to link Griffin with the initial call.
Griffin was booked into the Richmond County Jail on a $25,000 secured bond. Records show his bond was posted later the same day. He is scheduled to appear in court April 2.
Online court records show Griffin has pending traffic citations from the N.C. State Highway Patrol from late February.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Griffin has the following prior convictions:
1995 - misdemeanor larceny
1998 - second-degree burglary; first-degree trespassing, trespassing, two counts of damage to property
2000 - driving while license revoked
2019 - driving while impaired
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
