Two Columbus County theft suspects driving a stolen SUV fled across the state line and wrecked Monday, where they were taken into custody in Horry County Police.
Aaron Gore of Tabor City and George Herman “Dusty” Rowell of Loris, S.C. are being held in the J. Reuben Long Detention Center, awaiting extradition.
Investigators were attempting to make a traffic stop on the vehicle near Tabor City during an investigation into a series of larcenies, according to a press release by the sheriff’s office. The men refused to stop, and a chase ensued across the state line into South Carolina.
When the vehicle wrecked, the men attempted to flee on foot but were captured by Columbus County deputies.
“During the investigation, detectives determined that one of the suspects discarded a firearm while fleeing on foot,” the press release said. Investigators also found “trafficking” quantities of fentanyl and cocaine in the vehicle. The truck they were operating, a 2005 GMC Denali, was also discovered to have been stolen in Robeson County.
Both men had outstanding warrants, and face additional charges in South Carolina, the sheriff’s office said.
In North Carolina, Gore was charged with felony larceny, trafficking in fentanyl, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine, resisting an officer, possession of stolen property, and felony conspiracy.
Rowell faces felony counts of breaking and entering, felony larceny, attempted larceny, felony conspiracy, property damage, felony fleeing to elude arrest, trafficking in fentanyl, possession with intent to manufacture, sell and deliver cocaine, maintaining a vehicle for drug activities, possession of a stolen vehicle, and resisting an officer.
Sheriff W.A. “Bill” Rogers thanked Horry County and the South Carolina Highway Patrol for their assistance on the case.
The investigation is continuing.
