Suspect Rescued, Then Arrested

Harris, Haynes and Deans (CCSO photo)
Harris, Haynes and Deans (CCSO photo)

A traffic stop turned into a water rescue for a Whiteville man March 21.

Christopher Scott Deans, 26, was charged with resisting an officer, misdemeanor child abuse, possession of cocaine and drug paraphernalia, according to jail reports. His bond was set at $8,500. His address was listed as 543 Old Farm Trail, Whiteville.

The Sheriff’s Office reported that a narcotics detective made a traffic stop on a vehicle near the San Juan restaurant at 1202 S. J.K. Powell Boulevard in Whiteville. Deans and Corey Harris were in the vehicle, with a small child.

When the detective began searching the vehicle, Deans fled into the swampy area near the restaurant, crossing a pond and getting into a wooded area. 
“Deans realized he was stranded in the woods and began calling for help,” the sheriff’s office said in a press release.

A water rescue unit was called to assist, and Deans was taken into custody.

While the rescue was taking place, Sabrina Abonza Haynes, 30, of Cerro Gordo, arrived on the scene. She was taken into custody on related charges.

Haynes was charged with felony possession of cocaine, drug paraphernalia, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, and misdemeanor child abuse. Her bond was set at $8,500.

Harris, 31, of 433 Sandy Acres Dr.,  Hallsboro, was held under a $15,000 secured bond. His charges include misdemeanor child abuse, felony possession of cocaine, possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana, and maintaining a vehicle for drug activities.

The child in the car had access to cut straws containing cocaine residue and a used syringe, according to warrants.

About Jefferson Weaver 1973 Articles
Jefferson Weaver is the Managing Editor of Columbus County News and he can be reached at (910) 914-6056, (910) 632-4965, or by email at [email protected].