Beckley, WV (WOAY)-A high-speed chase through Beckley resulted in the arrest of a man accused of trafficking methamphetamine, carrying an illegal firearm, and endangering two juveniles who were inside the vehicle during the chase.
According to the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department, an officer conducting a radar patrol spotted a burgundy Subaru Outback with Ohio license plates traveling 43 MPH in a 30 MPH zone near South Fayette Street.
When the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the driver, later identified as 20-year-old Jedidiah Deloso, allegedly refused to pull over and accelerated the vehicle.
Deloso reportedly reached speeds over 100 miles per hour, swerved into oncoming traffic, and raced through city streets before heading onto Ritter Drive.
The chase continued through a Marathon Gas Station on Odd Road, where authorities say the front seat passenger jumped from the moving vehicle.
Sgt. Ramey of the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department joined the pursuit on I-77 South.
The vehicle finally came to a stop near mile marker 12, where officers conducted a felony traffic stop.
Authorities arrested Deloso and discovered two juveniles inside the vehicle.
The minors reported to police that they had asked Deloso multiple times to stop and let them out, but he refused.
A K9 unit from the West Virginia State Police alerted to drugs in the vehicle.
A search turned up a baggie containing 63.5 grams of methamphetamine and a concealed 9mm Taurus handgun.
The quantity of meth exceeded what is considered personal use, resulting in a charge of possession with intent to deliver.
Deloso does not have a concealed carry permit.
He faces several felony charges, including fleeing with reckless indifference, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, two counts of child endangerment, and carrying a concealed firearm without a permit.
The juveniles were released to a guardian.
Deloso awaits further court proceedings in Southern Regional Jail on a $500,000 bail.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.
