A Tennessee man is facing multiple felony charges in Sequoyah County District Court after authorities say he led officers on a high-speed pursuit along Interstate-40, while allegedly transporting dozens of pounds of marijuana.
Deandre Neal, 34, of Memphis, is charged with endangering others while eluding a police officer, trafficking in illegal drugs (marijuana), throwing or dropping an object on or at a moving vehicle, destroying evidence, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia and speeding.
According to an affidavit filed by District 27 Drug Task Force Agent Tyler Ragan, the incident began at around 8:48 p.m. on Feb. 11 near the 306 mile marker, eastbound on I-40 near Sallisaw.
Ragan reported he was monitoring traffic when he observed a dark-colored Dodge Durango traveling at a low speed in the slow lane with a decal partially covering the registration plate. After pulling behind the vehicle and verifying the Tennessee tag, the agent observed the SUV failing to maintain its lane, at times crossing over the outside lane marker.
Ragan initiated a traffic stop near the 308 mile marker where the vehicle continued past the exit before eventually stopping. During his approach, Ragan reported seeing an oversized duffel bag in the rear cargo area and a female passenger asleep in the back seat.
The driver was identified as Neal. After providing his license and insurance, Neal was asked to sit in the patrol unit while a warning citation was prepared. Instead, authorities allege Neal put the vehicle in drive and fled the scene.
A pursuit ensued eastbound on I-40, with speeds reportedly exceeding 120 miles per hour. During the chase, Neal allegedly turned off the vehicle’s lights and began passing vehicles on the shoulder, nearly striking other motorists.
Near the 311 mile marker, the backseat passenger, later identified as Alexandria Jones, allegedly began throwing items from the vehicle, including metal objects that struck pursuing patrol units.
Law enforcement agencies, including Roland Police Department and the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, assisted in the pursuit. Stop sticks were successfully deployed near the 325 mile marker, deflating the SUV’s two front tires. Despite the damage, Neal allegedly continued driving at a high rate of speed into eastern Sequoyah County toward the Arkansas state line.
Authorities reported seeing sparks, smoke and tire debris coming from the vehicle. Near the 328 mile marker, officers observed a duffel bag and a trash bag being thrown from the SUV’s rear window. The vehicle slowed to about 20 mph before leaving the roadway and coming to rest in a ditch near the 329 mile marker.
Neal allegedly exited the vehicle and fled on foot, while Jones was taken into custody at the scene.
Officers deployed aerial drones in an attempt to locate Neal and alerted Arkansas authorities after suspecting he may have boarded a moving train. Shortly afterward, the Van Buren Police Department notified Sequoyah County officials that a suspect matching Neal’s description had been taken into custody following a foot pursuit.
Neal’s identity was confirmed through a photograph, and Arkansas authorities placed a hold on him along with additional charges related to the pursuit in their jurisdiction.
After securing the scene, officers collected the discarded duffel and trash bags. According to the affidavit, the bags contained 33 individually packaged baggies of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, each appearing to weigh about one pound. Additional loose marijuana was also recovered from damaged packaging.
The seized items were packaged and submitted for laboratory testing.
Neal’s bond has been set at $40,000 and a warrant for his arrest was issued on Feb. 18, according to court records.
