Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: On Sunday, September 6, 2020, Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Deputy Ernie McNeely was patrolling the area of east Statesville in the River Hill Road area. Deputy McNeely observed a vehicle traveling east on Mocksville Highway which had an expired registration plate. The vehicle turned onto River Hill Road.

Deputy McNeely stopped the vehicle near East Iredell Middle School. After approaching and speaking with the driver, Joshua Owen Morrison, Deputy McNeely noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle and from the toolbox in the bed of the pickup truck.

Based on the smell and other indicators, Deputy McNeely was able to search the truck. While searching the truck Deputy McNeely was able to locate one pound of marijuana, and multiple packages of items which contained THC to include; gummy bears, vape cartridges and pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes.

Joshua Owen Morrison was arrested on scene and taken to the Iredell County Detention Center where he was charged with; Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Possession with Intent to Sell or Deliver Marijuana, Felony Maintain a Vehicle, Place, or Dwelling for Controlled Substance, and Misdemeanor Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia. Magistrate R. Imes issued a 10,000 dollar secured bond on the related charges.

Sheriff Campbell added, “These gummies and other edible forms of THC are what really concern me for small children. The colorful packaging along with the candies appear so much like other candy young people usually eat, it would be so easy for them to get mixed up, and for a child to have an unintended incident where they consume the THC by accident. Parents and family members really need to be aware of these items”.