NASH COUNTY, NC — What started as a routine stop on US 64 near NC 231 turned into a 130+ mph high-speed pursuit, kilos of cocaine flying out the window, a tree-smashing crash, and what authorities are calling the dismantling of a major drug trafficking organization.
According to the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to pull over a silver Infiniti on February 23. Behind the wheel was 47-year-old Deshunto Alston Sr. of Rocky Mount.
But instead of stopping, investigators say Alston hit the gas — and a pursuit followed.
28 Kilos Thrown Out the Window Mid-Chase
Deputies say the pursuit reached speeds exceeding 130 miles per hour on US 64. During the chase, Alston allegedly began tossing out bricks of cocaine — approximately 28 kilograms — straight onto the highway.
Authorities attempted a PIT maneuver at lower speeds, but Alston reportedly dodged it and nearly collided with another patrol vehicle.
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With public safety at risk, deputies executed a second PIT maneuver, causing the Infiniti to lose control, slam into a tree, and stop in the roadway near North Old Franklin Road.
Alston was seriously injured and transported to WakeMed Hospital. Officials say he’s currently in stable condition.
Second Driver Tried to Scoop Up the Coke
Investigators say another vehicle trailing the chase stopped along the route and attempted to retrieve some of the discarded narcotics.
That driver — 46-year-old Maurice Randall of Rocky Mount — was arrested on scene.
Deputies say Randall was found with:
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1 kilogram of cocaine
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A firearm in his waistband
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Another firearm in his glove box
Randall is currently being held under a $1 million secured bond and appeared in Nash County District Court on February 24.
Authorities say this arrest is part of a years-long investigation into a drug trafficking organization allegedly led by Alston, accused of distributing 30 to 50 kilograms of cocaine per month across Nash and surrounding counties.
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Authorities revealed that Alston previously served 120 months in federal prison following a 2010 conviction for conspiracy to distribute crack cocaine.
