Two arrested after DEA operation, one suspect caused multiple traffic crashes

The Orange County Sheriff's Office said deputies assisted in the arrest of two people Thursday during a US Drug Enforcement Agency operation. One suspect was caught after a chase resulted in multiple traffic crashes caused by the suspect.

Officials said one suspect was arrested on the scene, which was the parking lot of the Lowe's Home Improvement in Chapel Hill. The second suspect fled the scene, rammed into two vehicles in the parking lot and ignored a traffic light. That suspect then sped away on Sage Road and onto U.S. Hwy. 15-501.

Officials said they could not pursue further. However, witnesses reported the suspect caused several other crashes before wrecking his vehicle. He then fled on foot. A citizen chased after the suspect and relayed information to DEA agents. About a mile from the start of the chase, a deputy with the Orange County Sheriff's Office took the suspect into custody.

Deputies said all suspects are in custody and there is no ongoing danger to the public. Agents involved in the operation seized a total of three and a half kilos of heroin.

“We know that every 11 minutes, someone dies in the United States as the result of an opioid overdose," OCSO Chief Deputy Jamison Sykes said. "One gram of heroin can kill a person. Thanks to the DEA, we were able to assist in the removal of 3500 grams of this drug from our community.”

“Today’s events illustrate how far reaching the dangers of the drug trade are," OCSO Sheriff Charles Blackwood said. "We are relieved no one suffered serious injuries. The matter is currently the subject of an ongoing investigation and more information will be released as it becomes available, including the identities of the suspects and the charges they face.

"I also want to mention how much we appreciate the assistance of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol and the Chapel Hill Police Department. Today was a perfect example of our motto ‘Many Agencies, One Purpose’.”