Citizen complaints about drug activity in the Clarendon community prompted more patrols by the sheriff’s office, and resulted in a cocaine arrest Saturday.
Kenneth Allen Harley jr., 36, of 315 Grist Rd., Chadbourn, was held under a $5,000 secured bond. He faces charges of felony possession of cocaine, carrying a concealed firearm, drug paraphernalia, and resisting an officer, according to detention center reports.
The sheriff’s office said in a press release that citizen complaints about suspected drug and criminal behavior led the Vice Narcotics Unit to run saturation patrols in the area over the weekend. Harley was stopped for a traffic violation, and allegedly refused to follow directions of a deputy, warrants said. He was carrying a “silver and pink” .25 automatic handgun and drug paraphernalia. Deputies also found cocaine in the vehicle.
The Columbus County Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to continue reporting suspicious activity, Sheriff Bill Rogers said.
“Community cooperation plays a vital role in identifying problem areas and helping law enforcement take appropriate action,” he said in a press release. “We take every citizen complaint seriously, especially when it involves drug activity in our communities. Operations like this are a direct response to those concerns. Our Vice Narcotics Unit remains committed to being proactive in addressing illegal drug activity and ensuring the safety of our neighborhoods.”
