A Southern Pines man is facing several drug charges after attempting to flee on foot during a traffic stop at a local restaurant.
“On January 1, 2024 at 9:58 p.m., members of the Southern Pines Police Department’s Directed Patrol Unit attempted to conduct a traffic stop in the parking lot of Kickback Jack’s for a vehicle regulatory violation,” said the Southern Pines Deputy Police Chief Charles Campbell in a statement issued to Sandhills Sentinel. “Upon pulling into the parking lot of Kickback Jack’s, both William Mathew Greco Jr. and a second occupant walked away from their vehicle. When ordered to return to his vehicle, Mr. Greco took off running from officers and was arrested in the rear parking lot of Chipotle.”
Located during the arrest was suspected 105.7 grams of methamphetamine, 64.3 grams of marijuana, 5.1 grams of fentanyl, 16 dosage units of Suboxone, $1,379 in cash and a Taurus handgun.
Greco Jr., 29, was arrested on charges of possession of a firearm by felon, trafficking methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, felony possession of marijuana, trafficking opium or heroin, possession with intent to sell and deliver schedule II controlled substance, possession with intent to sell and deliver schedule III controlled substance, carrying a concealed weapon, maintain a vehicle for the sell of controlled substances, resisting a public officer and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Greco Jr. was jailed at the Moore County Detention Center under a $225,000 secured bond. He is due in court on Jan. 18 and is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Photo via Southern Pines Police Department.
