Police pursuit ends in arrest, drugs found after Kinston man swallows evidence

KINSTON, Lenoir County — A Kinston man is now behind bars facing multiple charges after he was caught swallowing evidence following a police pursuit.

Okeith Parker, 39 of Kinston was arrested and charged with felony flee to elude, possession with intent to sell/deliver cocaine, maintaining a vehicle, resist, obstruct & delay, careless and reckless driving, DWI, possession of drug paraphernalia and motor vehicle violations.

Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Vernon Avenue on Thursday, July 4 around noon for a vehicle spotted with false plates and illegal tint. The driver identified as Parker fled from officers before stopping on the 800 block of Dixon Street.

Parker was removed from the vehicle after he was observed swallowing bags of suspected drugs.

Officials say more than 15 grams of cocaine, cash and drug paraphernalia were located and seized from the vehicle.

Parker was taken to UNC Lenoir for further medical care, and later transported to the Lenoir County Jail following his release.

He remains jailed under a secured bond.