Early morning police chase ends with two arrests

WEST JEFFERSON — Ashe County Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of two individuals after an early morning chase on April 27 that ended on Highway 163.

On April 27, Sgt. Daniel Cox was patrolling and running radar when he noticed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. Sgt. Cox then initiated blue lights and sirens. During the chase, the vehicle failed to stop and exceeded the speed limit by more than 50 mph. Deputy Cody Call and Jacob Bledsoe arrived to assist with the chase. The vehicle came to a sudden stop on Highway 163, and Deputy Call and Sgt. Cox were able to apprehend both subjects, Sarah Elizabeth Caldera, 25, of Jefferson, and Derrick Scott Whisnant, 30, of North Wilkesboro.

K9 Deputy Bledsoe deployed K9 officer Keeko, who performed an open-air sniff, which led to a positive alert inside the vehicle. Officers located a clear baggie of a crystal substance, later identified as methamphetamine, marijuana, and several drug paraphernalia. Additional evidence was submitted to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for further analysis, which may result in additional charges at a later date. Officers transported both subjects to the Ashe County Detention Center without further incident.

Caldera was charged with two counts of felony fleeing/eluding arrest with a motor vehicle, felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of marijuana, failure to heed light and siren, speeding, driving with a revoked license, simple possession of a Schedule IV controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. Caldera was booked under a $40,000 secured bond.

Whisnant was charged with felony possession of a Schedule II controlled substance, felony possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia. Whisnant was booked under a $30,000 secured bond.