K-9 Elio Tracks Down Suspect Following Traffic Stop and Drug Seizure

Deputies with the Iredell County Sheriff's Office Aggressive Criminal Enforcement (ACE) Team arrested two individuals following a traffic stop that led to the seizure of more than 111 grams of marijuana and a foot pursuit involving a Sheriff's Office K-9.

According to Sheriff Darren Campbell, deputies conducted a traffic stop on Friday, May 29, for multiple traffic violations at the intersection of Winston Avenue and Slingshot Road.

During the stop, Deputy J. Greene and K-9 Elio responded to assist. K-9 Elio alerted deputies to the presence of narcotics inside the vehicle, giving deputies probable cause to conduct a search.

As deputies began their investigation, the driver, 26-year-old James Malcolm Ingram, fled the scene on foot. Deputy Greene deployed K-9 Elio, who quickly picked up the suspect's scent and tracked him for more than a quarter mile before locating him hiding nearby. Ingram was taken into custody without further incident.

A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 111.61 grams of marijuana along with drug paraphernalia.

Ingram was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center and appeared before Magistrate Hollar. He was charged with Felony Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Marijuana, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia, and Misdemeanor Resist, Delay, and Obstruct an Officer. He was issued a no-bond status.

Deputies also attempted to detain a passenger in the vehicle, 26-year-old Jalieh Chantel Lewis. Authorities say Lewis resisted Deputy C. Wilson's efforts to detain her, leading to a brief struggle before she was taken into custody.

Lewis was transported to the Iredell County Detention Center and appeared before Magistrate Callejas. She was charged with Misdemeanor Resist, Delay, and Obstruct an Officer and received a $1,000 secured bond.

Sheriff Campbell said the incident highlights the value of having highly trained K-9 teams available on patrol. K-9 Elio not only alerted deputies to the presence of narcotics but also successfully tracked down a fleeing suspect, helping deputies safely bring the situation to a close.

The Iredell County Sheriff's Office said it remains committed to providing deputies with the training and resources needed to keep local communities safe while continuing efforts to remove illegal drugs from the streets.