Michigan man wanted from high-speed pursuit

Published 10:00 am Tuesday, May 14, 2024

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AHOSKIE – Arrest warrants, including felony possession of marijuana, have been drawn after a Michigan man fled on foot following a high-speed pursuit last week.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol’s Troop A / District II office in Ahoskie has issued warrants for Jalante Deandre Starks, age 25, of Inkster, Michigan.

Starks is wanted for felony speed to elude arrest, failure to heed blue lights and siren, speeding 86 mph in a 55 mph zone, reckless driving, felony possession of marijuana (2,869 grams which is equal to 6.32 pounds), possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, resist/delay/obstruct, failure to stop at a stop sign, failure to maintain lane control, improper passing, hit-and-run with property damage, and failure to wear a seat belt.

NCHP Sgt. Jason Williams said Starks was contacted late last week and advised to turn himself in.

“We haven’t been able to contact him since that initial call, so we issued the arrest warrants,” Sgt. Williams said on Monday of this week, adding he believed that Starks has returned to Michigan.

Upon those arrest warrants being served, extradition proceedings will begin, which will be handled through the District Attorney’s Office.

Sgt. Williams said NCHP Trooper J.C. Copeland was patrolling NC 11 last Wednesday afternoon (May 8) where he detected a vehicle traveling 86 mph in a 55 mph zone.

The ensuing attempt at a traffic stop turned into a pursuit. Starks, who was operating a rented Chrysler Pacifica, continued traveling northbound on NC 11 before turning onto Brickmill Road/Pine Drive in Aulander. The vehicle eventually crossed over NC 11 Business (Main Street) and then to Quail Hollow Lane where it crashed into a canal. Starks exited the vehicle and fled on foot.

Multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the scene to assist in the search.

About Cal Bryant

Cal Bryant, a 40-year veteran of the newspaper industry, serves as the Editor at Roanoke-Chowan Publications, publishers of the Roanoke-Chowan News-Herald, Gates County Index, and Front Porch Living magazine.

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