News Release

Date/Time of Offense:  Monday, February 6, 2023

Offense(s)/Charge(s): Two Counts of Felony Trafficking Methamphetamine

 Two Counts of Felony Trafficking Cocaine

 Two Counts of Felony Trafficking Heroin

 Two Counts of Felony Trafficking Opioids

 Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine

 Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Cocaine

 Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Heroin

 Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Schedule II 

 Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Marijuana

 Felony Possession of Marijuana

 Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for Sale of Controlled Substance

 Felony Flee to Elude in a Motor Vehicle

 Felony Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon

 Misdemeanor Possession Schedule IV 

 Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 

Location of Incident: Interstate 77 South at Tomlin Mill Road, Statesville

Suspect(s): Michael Lamar Gaines, 39 Years Old

       50 Alfaretta Avenue

       Akron, Ohio 44320

Sheriff Darren Campbell stated: On Monday, February 6, 2023 Iredell County Sheriff’s Office Deputies with the Interstate Criminal Enforcement (ICE) Team attempted to stop an Audi SUV, with Ohio temporary tag, for a traffic violation on Interstate 77 South near the 62 mile marker. The driver of the vehicle refused to stop for deputies and fled at a high rate of speed. The driver exited the Interstate on Tomlin Mill Rd where he wrecked into an embankment and fled on foot. The driver, Michael Lamar Gaines from Akron Ohio, was arrested after a brief foot pursuit and was transported to Iredell Memorial Hospital by Iredell County EMS for injuries he sustained during the crash. Deputies searched the vehicle and located over one pound of Crystal Methamphetamine, over 92 Grams of Heroin/Fentanyl mixture, over 72 Grams of Cocaine, numerous Oxycodone pills, approximately four pounds of Marijuana and THC Edibles, multiple Alprazolam pills, and a loaded 9mm pistol with an extended magazine, and approximately $9,000 cash. 

After further investigation it was found that Gaines was wanted out of Ohio for Aggravated Trafficking Drug and Parole Violations. Deputies also learned that Gaines had a lengthy criminal history and was a convicted felon which prohibited him from possessing firearms. 

Once Gaines was released from the hospital he was transported to the Magistrates Office where he was charged with Two Counts of Felony Trafficking Methamphetamine, Two Counts of Felony Trafficking Cocaine, Two Counts of Felony Trafficking Heroin, Two Counts of Felony Trafficking Opioids, Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Methamphetamine, Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Cocaine, Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Heroin, Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Schedule II , Felony Possession with Intent Sell or Deliver Marijuana, Felony Possession of Marijuana, Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for Sale of Controlled Substance, Felony Flee to Elude in a Motor Vehicle, Felony Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon, Misdemeanor Possession Schedule IV, and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. 

Gaines was taken before Magistrate Nicholson where he issued him a 1,000,000.00 dollar bond on the Iredell County charges. Gaines was also served Fugitive Warrants out of Ohio where Magistrate Nicholson issued him a no bond. 

Michael Lamar Gaines, 39 Years Old

50 Alfaretta Avenue

Akron, Ohio 44320

BOND: 1,000,000.00 DOLLAR SECURED BOND ON IREDELL COUNTY CHARGES.

Criminal History: Two counts of Felony Receiving Stolen Property, Felony Possession of Drugs, Two counts of Felony Trafficking in Cocaine, Felony Trafficking in Marijuana, Two counts of Felony Trafficking in Drugs, Felony Tampering with Records, Two counts of Felony Assault, and Misdemeanor Assault.