Barfield

ELIZABETHTOWN — A Rocky Mount man was stopped for DWI on N.C. 87 between Tar Heel and Dublin on Thursday, but the stop quickly tuned into additional charges.

According to Bladen County Sheriff Jim McVicker, Trooper Ronnie Walker with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol stopped the vehicle near Purdie Church Road at about noon for speeding.

“While issuing the motorist the citation for speeding, Walker became suspicious that the driver was impaired and, after performing roadside sobriety tests, Walker arrested Anthony Ray Barfield, 55, of Rocky Mount for driving while impaired,” McVicker said. “A warrants check also showed Barfield had two outstanding orders for arrest for probation violation from Nash County.”

McVicker said Walker felt there was more going on with Barfield based on different indicators that lead him to have reasonable suspicion of other criminal activity.

“At this point, Walker called for a K-9 unit and, a short time later, Deputy Channing Willoughby and his K-9 Kain responded,” McVicker said. “Kain alerted to the vehicle which gave Deputy Willoughby probable cause to search it — and inside he found one-half pound of marijuana.”

Barfield was transported to Bladen County Jail and charged with DWI, having an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, and possession of marijuana. He was also served with the two outstanding orders for arrest from Nash County and is currently in jail on a $12,000 secured bond. Nash County has also placed a hold on him.

“This is an example of teamwork,” said McVicker. “Trooper Walker did an excellent job of determining there was more than just speeding going on and our Deputy and K-9 were able to assist and help put a wanted person in jail and get drugs and a drunk driver off our highways.

“Working together and forming partnerships with other agencies was one of my goals when I became sheriff and this is an example of how well it can work and how beneficial it is for the citizens of this county.”

W. Curt Vincent can be reached by calling 910-862-4163.