Caldwell County Deputies Arrest Wanted Fugitive

Deputies with the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office made an arrest of a wanted man from McDowell County.

On January 27, Narcotic Agents were conducting surveillance on a residence in Gamewell when they spotted a known, wanted man. Jabaris Rashawn Francis was wanted for Kidnapping and Assault on a Female from McDowell County. Agents followed Francis in a vehicle until Sheriff’s Deputies were in position to stop the car on Connelly Springs Road. When Deputies attempted to stop Francis, he led deputies on a high-speed chase until Francis crashed his vehicle and fled on foot. He was quickly apprehended by Deputies near Conway Drive in Baton.

A wrapped package was found in Francis’ possession that contained approximately 260 grams of Fentanyl and 70 grams of Methamphetamine. Agents also located over $6,700 in cash in Francis’ vehicle.

Jabaris Rashawn Francis, age 36, of Bristol Creek Avenue in Morganton was served with the outstanding warrants from McDowell County and then charged with 2 counts of Trafficking Fentanyl, 2 counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine, Maintaining a Vehicle to Distribute Narcotics and numerous driving charges. He was placed in the Caldwell Detention Center under a $1,055,000 secured bond. He was scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday in Lenoir.

Press Release from Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office