SANFORD, N.C. (WPTF) — A Lee County man is now facing a litany of charges after leading police on a chase Friday (May 1)
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Department facebook page, deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on NC 87 for motor vehicle violations. The vehicle failed to stop and led deputies on a pursuit.
The driver—later identified 35-year-old Christopher Sean Tyson—continued to flee, driving behind a gas station. While attempting to get back onto the roadway, he became stuck and was taken into custody by deputies.
During a search of Tyson’s vehicle, deputies found fentanyl, cocaine, and marijuana. A Lee County K9, Dempsey, was brought in and deployed to search for discarded items, leading to the recovery of a handgun along the suspect’s flight path. Narcotics agents also responded to the scene and processed the evidence.
Tyson, was arrested and charged with two counts Trafficking Fentanyl, two counts of Trafficking Cocaine, Possession of Firearm by Felon, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Fentanyl, Possess with Intent to Sell and Deliver Cocaine, Possess with Intent to Sell and Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Marijuana Paraphernalia, Maintaining a Vehicle for Sale of Controlled Substance, Felony Flee to Elude Arrest, Operating Vehicle with No Insurance, Reckless Driving, Resisting Public Officer, Driving While License Revoked, Driving Left of Center, and Unsafe Movement.
Tyson faces charges in two other counties. In January, he was charged with felony possession of cocaine in Harnett County. He also faces charges for forgery and obtaining property under false pretense in Randolph County from an October 2024 arrest.
Tyson was brought before a Lee County Magistrate who ordered he be held without bond.