Being questioned by authorities in relation to suspicious activity can be a stressful and intimidating process. However, attempting to evade a similar process may only make matters worse, potentially giving officers reason to suspect wrongdoing. A 20-year-old man is facing drug charges after allegedly jumping into the water and swimming away during a routine traffic stop in North Carolina.
According to reports, an officer initiated the traffic stop on a recent Wednesday and allegedly spotted illegal contraband within the vehicle. The officer claims that, at some point in the process, the driver of the vehicle jumped into the ocean and began to flee. Police attempted to track his movements with use of a drone, but they lost sight of him after he swam as many as 4,000 feet away from the shore.
Several hours later, authorities were apparently able to locate him in a neighboring town, and he was subsequently placed under arrest. Although the nature of the evidence found within his vehicle is unclear, he is currently facing drug charges in relation to the traffic stop. The penalties for a drug-related conviction are serious, and the consequences may only increase in severity for those who attempt to evade arrest.
When an individual is facing drug charges, he or she may find it beneficial to seek counsel in the initial stages of the process. By speaking with a defense attorney, a client in North Carolina could obtain guidance on making informed decisions. An attorney can examine the charges against a client, along with the evidence, and provide advice on how to pursue the best possible outcome during legal proceedings.
Source: nh1.com, "North Carolina suspect swims out to sea in escape attempt, shark spotted nearby", Sept. 1, 2017