Two arrested in Lenoir for Drug/Weapons Violations

LENOIR, NC (November 19, 2019) — On November 18^th, 2019 at 9:23 am officers with the Lenoir Police Traffic unit along with officers from the Narcotics Unit stopped a white 2009 Cadillac passenger car near 1346 Norwood St. Lenoir, NC.  The driver of the vehicle was identified as Elijah Rashard Gibbs.  The passenger in the vehicle was Madison Lily Ruggles.

Gibbs had several outstanding warrants which included 2 counts of Misd. Assault by Pointing a Gun, 1 count of Misd. Breaking & Entering, and 1 count of Communicating Threats. Gibbs was arrested and the vehicle was searched.  During the search officers found 154.30 grams of cocaine and $791.00 in US currency within the center console.  According to North Carolina State guidelines, the seized cocaine was valued at $15,430.00. The officers also found a stolen Smith and Wesson .40 caliber pistol in the glove compartment.  The pistol had been reported stolen from Catawba County. As a result, Gibbs was also charged with 1 count of Felony Possession of a Stolen Firearm, 1 count of Felony Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, 1 count of Misd. Carrying a Concealed Weapon, 1 count of Felony Trafficking in Cocaine, 1 count of Felony Maintaining a Vehicle for the Purpose of Controlled Substance, 1 count of Possession of Controlled Substance within 1,000 ft. of a School, 1 count of Misd. Driving While License Revoked, 1 count of Misd. Open Container of Liquor, and 1 count of Left of Center.

Ruggles was also arrested.  She was charged with 1 count of Possession of a Stolen Firearm, 1 count of Trafficking in Cocaine, and 1 count of Possession of Controlled Substance within 1,000 feet from a school.  When Ruggles was searched officers located 3.2 grams of Marijuana in her clothing.  According to North Carolina State guidelines, the seized Marijuana was valued at $25.00. Subsequently she was charged with 1 count of Simple Possession of Schedule VI controlled Substance.

Gibbs received a combined bond of $206,500.00 and an initial court date of 11/20/2019 while Ruggles received a bond of $76,000.00 an initial court date is also scheduled for 11/20/2019.