Two arrested in Bertie County after Martin County carjacking

WINDSOR, N.C. (WNCT) — With the help of drone technology, two suspects were arrested and are facing charges after officials said they carjacked someone in Martin County.

The Bertie County Sheriff’s Office was contacted Saturday for a BOLO (Be On The Lookout) for a vehicle that was carjacked in Oack City. At around 7:45 p.m., Sgt H. Williams and Deputy D. Pillmon were patrolling in the area of Lewiston when they spotted the vehicle that was carjacked. They tried to stop the vehicle on Hwy. 11 near Aulander but the vehicle sped away, leading to a chase that reached speeds over 100 mph.

During the pursuit, Williams noticed a second vehicle that was following the carjacked vehicle. It was determined that the vehicle was involved in the carjacking. Law enforcement in Hertford County was alerted to the chase. As the vehicle crossed into Hertford County, the NC State Highway Patrol was able to deploy a spike strip to stop the vehicle.

The driver of the vehicle exited and fled on foot. Law enforcement from Bertie, Hertford, Ahoskie and the NCSHP set a perimeter in the area. K9 units and drones were deployed in the area. At 10:46 pm, a drone unit operated by Officer T. Pennington with the Ahoskie Police Department located the carjacker suspect on top of a construction tent. Law enforcement surrounded the area and the suspect surrendered.

During that search, officials noticed the second vehicle that was following the carjacked vehicle circling the area of the search. Law enforcement was able to stop that vehicle and, after confirming through video surveillance with the Martin County Sheriff’s Office, the driver of the second vehicle dropped the armed carjacker off.

“This is another great example of law enforcement agencies working closely together to remove violent criminals from our streets,” Bertie County Sheriff Tyrone Ruffin said. “This is also another great example of why law enforcement agencies must have the technology and resources we have. I commend each of the officers and agencies involved in apprehending the suspects including Bertie County Communications, Martin County Sheriff’s Office and Hertford County Sheriff’s Office.”

Devonte Jamal Cofield, the driver of the carjacked vehicle, was charged with:

• Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
• Conspiracy to Commit Arm Robbery
• First-Degree Kidnapping
• Assault by Pointing a Gun
• Possession of Stolen Vehicle
• Felony Flee to Elude Arrest
• Possession of Marijuana

Lamajae Ki’tory Norfleet was arrested and charged with:

• Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
• Conspiracy to Commit Arm Robbery

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