Sheriff Darren Campbell stated While working traffic enforcement on I-77 South, members of the Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team attempted to conduct a traffic stop at approximately 9:40 a.m. on a 2015 Kia Forte passenger car. The driver of the vehicle was later identified as Tyrel Stephon White DOB: 12-31-84 of 713 South Oak Ave Fort Meade Florida.
The ICE team member initiated his blue lights and siren in an attempt to pull over the vehicle and at that time Mr. White began to slow down like he was going to pull over. Instead of pulling over, Mr. White accelerated away in the vehicle. Deputies than began to pursue Mr. White on I-77 south bound. While being pursued by Deputies Mr. White began to throw bags of contraband out the window of the vehicle.
Mr. White continued to flee arrest and began to drive in a reckless manner in attempts to avoid arrest. Deputies then disengaged and canceled the pursuit due to the reckless manner in which Mr. White was driving in attempts to avoid arrest, and for the safety of the citizens on the roads at the time of the pursuit.
Deputies circulated the area checking locations for the vehicle. A member of the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Interstate Criminal Enforcement Team located the vehicle backed into a parking space at a Motel in Statesville NC.
Deputies of the Sheriff’s Office along with members of the Department of Homeland Security (Charlotte NC Office) began doing surveillance on the vehicle and the Motel. While conducting surveillance and Intel an employee of the Motel was interviewed and the employee advised Deputies they observed Mr. White enter a room on the 3rd floor.
A search warrant was applied for and granted for the search of the motel room where it was determined that Mr. White was staying.
The search warrant was executed and Mr. White was located in the room. During the arrest of Mr. White, a sock containing U.S. Currency was located on the person of Mr. White. Evidence was collected and the 2015 Kia Forte was seized and placed into property control at the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office.
Mr. White was taken into custody without further incidents or injuries and transported to the Iredell County jail and served with warrants for Felony Elude Arrest and No Operators License. Mr. White was placed into the jail under a $100,000 dollar bond.
Mr. White has a long criminal history starting as early as 2003. White was convicted on 2003 Burglary of Dwelling. In 2009 Felony Elude Arrest, Felony Possession with intent to sell and deliver MDMA. In 2010 Mr. White was convicted for Sale and Manufacture of Methamphetamine. Later in 2010 he was convicted for Felony Trafficking in Heroin and Felony Trafficking in Cocaine. Mr. White went to jail for 6 years and was released on 5-27-2014. Mr. White was then charged with Felony Drug Possession 12-26-2014 and Felony Drug Possession on 1-9-2015. Mr. White has several misdemeanor probation violation convictions along with drug paraphernalia convictions.
Iredell County Narcotics along with Department of Homeland Security will continue an investigation into the findings of the United States Currency.