FROM STAFF REPORTS

Iredell County Sheriff’s Office deputies who fled the scene of a house party after they questioned him after finding cocaine in his vehicle.

Deputies responded to Bridlewood Lane near Troutman to investigate a report of a large party with a noise disturbance, according to an ICSO news release.

After arriving at a residence in the 100 block of Bridlewood Lane off Fern Hill Road, deputies found several vehicles parked on the side of the roadway.

While attempting to assess the situation, Sgt. Goforth observed a large plastic bag containing a large amount of white powder through the window of one of the vehicles, Sheriff Darren Campbell said. Based on his training and experience, he believed the powder to be a controlled narcotic, according to the news release.

Goforth checked the vehicle registration number and learned it was registered to Antonio Maurice Montgomery Jr., 29, of Plum Creek Lane, Charlotte, the sheriff said. The deputies then approached the home and asked about the gathering and inquired if Montgomery was still around.

Montgomery came outside to speak with the deputies. When asked about the white powder, he told the deputies the drugs were not his and unlocked his vehicle at the request of the deputies, Campbell said.

While the deputies were securing the drugs and other weapons found in the vehicle, Montgomery suddenly ran away from the deputies, according to the news release. The deputies attempted to locate the suspect, but were unsuccessful.

During the search of the vehicle, deputies seized one AR-15 Rifle, one drum magazine, 121 rounds of ammunition, a Smith & Wesson .40-caliber pistol, 16 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition, digital scales, and 18.9 grams of cocaine, according to the news release.

Goforth obtained arrest warrants charging Montgomery with Felony Possession of Cocaine, and Misdemeanor Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. The suspect was then entered as a Wanted Person.

If you know where Montgomery can be located, call the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office at 704-878-3100.