REIDSVILLE, N.C. — Rockingham County Sheriff's Office says a man arrested for hitting a deputy's patrol car and leaving the scene of the accident is facing new charges for the drugs found in his Jeep.
Deputies say Damon Jamont Blackwell, 29, was charged with Felony Drug Trafficking of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. He may also face federal charges from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the cocaine found in his Jeep after the chase, according to a release. He's currently being held Rockingham County Jail under a $1.75 million secured bond.
The sheriff's office says Blackwell hit the deputy's patrol car on October 30. They say Blackwell took off when the deputy tried to pull him over, and that led to a chase. Blackwell eventually crashed his Jeep with a tractor-trailer in Reidsville. They say he tried to run away, but the deputy caught up to him. The two got into a struggle, and a Good Samaritan helped the deputy apprehend Blackwell.
Investigators found $120,000 worth of drugs inside Blackwell's Jeep, including 35 pounds of marijuana worth around $60,000 and 3 pounds of cocaine worth around $60,000. They also found $4,500 in cash.
Authorities say after Blackwell was treated at a hospital for minor injuries, he was arrested for hit-and-run and assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer.
