ROCKINGHAM — A four-time convicted felon is facing criminal charges yet again.
According to court documents, a deputy with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office attempted to stop 28-year-old Leon Malik Zeigler, of Hamlet, for speeding down Airport Road on Jan. 5.
The warrant alleges that Zeigler — whose driver’s license has been revoked — was driving 51 mph in a 35 mph zone and refused to stop.
According to the warrant, Zeigler is the owner of the vehicle, but has no insurance and the license plate has been revoked.
The deputy also allegedly found a Taurus 9mm handgun in the vehicle, as well as an open container of alcohol and two sets of digital scales. Zeigler has previously been convicted of four felonies, state records show.
The warrant alleges that Zeigler failed “ to comply with instructions by not showing his hands upon command, not placing hands behind his back as instructed, and pulling away” from the deputy during his arrest.
Zeigler was arrested and charged with: one felony count each of fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle and possession of a firearm by a felon.
He also faces one misdemeanor count each of: possession of drug paraphernalia; resisting a public officer; speeding; failing to heed a light or siren; driving while license revoked; operating a vehicle with no insurance; having a canceled, revoked or suspended tag.
Zeigler was also cited for having an open container of alcohol in the passenger area and driving left of center.
He was booked into the Richmond County Jail on a combined $27,500 secured bond and is scheduled to appear in court Jan. 22.
Records with the N.C. Department of Adult Correction show Zeigler was first convicted in 2018 of committing a crime against nature. He was subsequently convicted on three counts of possession of a firearm by a felon in 2023.
He was given a suspended sentence in each case, records show.
All defendants facing criminal charges are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
