Drug investigation prompts lockdown

ROANOKE ISLAND, N.C. (WAVY) - A drug-related investigation on Roanoke Island prompted a short school lockdown.

The Dare Sheriff's Narcotics Unit, which includes officers from the Kill Devil Hills and Nags Head Police Departments, attempted to pull over a vehicle on Highway 64/264 near the Roanoke Island Fire Department on Dec. 14. Instead, the driver jumped out of the car and ran.

He started heading in the direction of Manteo High School, according to Chief Deputy Steve Hoggard, so the school was put on lockdown as a precaution.

Officers caught up with the suspect after a brief chase and arrested him. Chief Deputy Hoggard says the suspect was in possession of cocaine.

Gregory Jerome, Jr., 36, of Roanoke Island was charged with possession with the intent to sell or deliver cocaine, felony possession of cocaine and possession of a controlled substance within 100 feet of a school.