Gang Members With Assault Rifle, Ski Mask Lead Authorities On Two-County Chase; One Still Wanted
ROWAN COUNTY, N.C. — One suspect is in custody and another is wanted after fleeing a traffic stop and leading authorities on a two-county chase.
On Saturday, June 1st, just before midnight, a Rowan County Sheriff’s Deputy stopped a vehicle on Highway 52 in Gold Hill for a minor traffic violation.
Neither the driver of the vehicle nor the passenger had identification and the deputy smelled a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. The deputy also noticed an assault rifle magazine in plain sight.
The deputy called for back-up to assist the investigation but the suspect vehicle fled before back-up arrived. The deputy returned to his vehicle and began a pursuit which entered Stanly County and continued into Albemarle before the suspects wrecked on Church Street.
Both suspects ran from the scene and ran into the woods. Additional law enforcement officers arrived but the suspects were not located.
Authorities searched the suspect vehicle and located an AR-15 rifle that was stolen from Winston-Salem. Also discovered in the vehicle were a loaded hand gun, a ski mask, gloves, and marijuana. Law enforcement determined that the suspects were traveling either to or from some type of criminal activity.
Rowan County Investigators determined the suspects appeared to be from Winston-Salem. Along with viewing the deputy’s body cam video, investigators conducted a forensic search of the electronic devices found in the vehicle and were able to identify the driver of the vehicle as 23-year-old Juvonta Lafond.
After identifying Lafond, Rowan County Detectives contacted Winston-Salem Police Detectives, who were able to identify the second suspect as 23-year-old Albert Britford.
Officials say both men are affiliated with the Blood gang and have lengthy criminal histories. Britford was wanted by the Winston-Salem Police Department at the time of the incident.
The Winston-Salem Police Department assisted with the investigation and provided information that Britford was possibly traveling to Spencer, North Carolina, in Rowan County.
On June 5th, 2019, Rowan County Sheriff’s detectives determined that Britford was at a residence on Meadow Lane in Spencer.
Rowan County detectives, the Rowan County Criminal Enforcement Team, Winston-Salem Police Detectives, and the Forsyth County Sheriff’s detectives joined a U.S. Marshal’s Office task force in conducting surveillance on the residence.
During the surveillance, investigators identified Britford walking outside the residence. After surrounding the residence, authorities approached, at which time Britford and another man ran inside the residence.
After repeated commands from detectives, both subjects eventually came out of the residence.
Britford was arrested on outstanding charges in Forsyth County. Detectives found a handgun inside a vehicle, for which Britford had a key, and a handgun inside the residence, as well as a pound of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
Britford is currently being held in the Rowan County Detention Center with no bond on Forsyth County charges, with additional charges from the Rowan County offenses.
Detectives obtained felony warrants for Juvonta Lafond for Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Speed to Elude Arrest, and Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Felon. Lafond is wanted by the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, and is believed to be in the Winston Salem area.
Anyone with information are asked to contact Lt. C. Moose 704-216-8687, SSG Rodney Mahaley 704-216-8711 or Crime Stoppers 1-866-639-5245.
