DRUGS SEIZED FOLLOWING I-64 PURSUIT

September 5, 2018

This is the fifth significant seizure in Kenova in the past week involving methamphetamine, crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, firearms, and cash.

Drugs Seized Following I-64 Pursuit

Kenova Police intercepted a delivery of narcotics to the area while participating in a drug-interdiction patrol Wednesday afternoon. KPD officers observed a vehicle exceeding the speed limit and stopped the violator along Interstate 64 near the Kenova exit. While the officer was writing the speeding citation, Jahrius Isaiah Justus Whitehead, age 26, of Macon, Georgia, fled from the stop at a high rate of speed.

The chase continued east bound on the interstate with officers in pursuit. A short time later, Whitehead lost control of his vehicle and spun into the median. The vehicle struck the cable barrier, causing it to spin back into the east bound lanes.

Jahrius Isaiah Justus Whitehead, age 26, of Macon, Georgia, fled from the stop at a high rate of speed.

As officers arrived at the scene of the crash, Whitehead ran across the east bound lanes of the interstate and into a wooded area south of the highway. Officers searched for Whitehead and located him several hundred yards into the woods. He was then taken into custody.

Due to the steep terrain, and injuries to Whitehead, Kenova and Ceredo EMS and Rescue teams were called to the scene to assist in bringing Whitehead back up to the highway.

Whitehead gave consent to search his rental car and officers located $18,000 worth of cocaine and $3,000 worth of marijuana in the cargo area, along with $500 in cash.

Whitehead was transported to Cabell Huntington Hospital for treatment of his injuries. Upon his release, he was transported to the Western Regional Jail, pending arraignment. Whitehead has been charged in Wayne County with Transportation of Narcotics into the State and Felony Fleeing From Law Enforcement.

This is the fifth significant seizure in Kenova in the past week involving methamphetamine, crack cocaine, heroin, marijuana, firearms, and cash. Jahrius Whitehead is the eighth person arrested in Kenova for drug-related charges in the past five days.

He is currently being held at the Western Regional Jail. His bond has not yet been set. Anyone having more information on this case is asked to contact the Kenova Police Department at 304-453-1281.