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Newberry County Officers say that officers attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic violation on Drayton Street Monday afternoon at about 5:15PM.When officers activated the blue lights, the vehicle sped off for a couple of hundred yards. The vehicle then stopped abruptly in the middle of the road, and the driver and passenger exited the vehicle and fled.

Officers continued to chase the subjects on foot and while running from the officers, the passenger began throwing bags of marijuana on the ground. Officers caught and apprehended the suspect, and were able to take him into custody after a brief incident. Officers were able to recover approximately ¾ pound of marijuana and a set of scales normally used in the weighing and selling of illegal drugs.

The suspect was later identified as Terrio Tyrrell Jones, 28, of 201 Green Acres lane, Silvercrest, SC. Jones was arrested and is charged with Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana Within Proximity of a School or Park, Resisting Arrest, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.

Police say Jones is currently out on bond for a charge of Trafficking Crack Cocaine and other drug related charges in Newberry County on a $150,000 surety and a Forgery charge for which he received a Personal Appearance bond, police say. He was released on the drug charges on July 10, 2007, and on the Forgery charge on September 10, 2008.

Jones was released on bond for Forgery charges from the City of Newberry on September 20, 2008, where his bond was $20,000. He is also on bond for charges in Laurens County for drug related charges.

“This is a prime example of what happens when the court system becomes back logged, and the jails become overcrowded,’ said Sheriff James Lee Foster. “Everyone is budget conscience, as well they should; however, we must understand that the continued release of habitual offenders into society will ultimately lead to more crime. Offenders such as this often have no regard for the law, and without fear of punishment or at least delayed punishment only empowers that disregard for the law.”

The driver of the vehicle has been identified as Willie James Dial, 28, of 201 Belmont Stakes, Clinton, SC, officers say. Officers also say that they have obtained warrants on Dial and are currently searching for him. Anyone with information as to Dial’s whereabouts should contact their local law enforcement.

If you have any information about this case, please contact the Newberry County Sheriff’s Office at (803) 321-2211 or www.newberrycountysheriff.com or Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CrimeSC or www.sccrimestoppers.com.