ELIZABETH CITY — A late-night traffic stop in Pasquotank County escalated into a high-speed pursuit Sunday that ended with the arrest of a suspect wanted in connection with a recent shooting and facing multiple felony drug and firearm charges.
According to a press release from the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office, deputies attempted to stop a 2015 Jeep Compass, driven by Joash Tshawn Garland, around 10:11 p.m. on Feb. 1 in the area of U.S. 158 and U.S. 17 for a speeding violation. Authorities reported that the vehicle was displaying a fictitious registration plate.
The driver failed to stop, prompting deputies to initiate a vehicle pursuit. During the chase, speeds at times exceeded 110 miles per hour (wow!), although officials noted that much of the pursuit occurred at lower speeds. The pursuit traveled through multiple areas of Pasquotank County and Elizabeth City.
During the incident, Garland’s vehicle struck a deputy’s patrol car, causing minor damage. No injuries were reported.
The pursuit ended at approximately 11:07 p.m. near Southern Avenue and White Street in Elizabeth City. Garland, 30, was taken into custody without further incident.
Sheriff’s officials said Garland was wanted in connection with a shooting that occurred on Jan. 10 in the 1000 block of Walker Avenue. During a search of the vehicle, deputies recovered multiple drug-related items and U.S. currency.
The sheriff’s office also noted that Garland had previously led deputies on a pursuit on July 13, 2023, which ended when he crashed into Muddy Waters Coffeehouse on West Main Street in Elizabeth City. In April 2024, Garland pleaded guilty in Pasquotank County Superior Court to fleeing to elude arrest with a motor vehicle and was sentenced to six to 17 months in prison.
Following Sunday’s arrest, Garland was charged with multiple offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, discharge of a firearm in city limits, possession of a firearm by a felon, maintaining a vehicle for the sale or delivery of controlled substances, and resisting a public officer.
Additional charges include possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver cocaine, heroin, and marijuana, possession of marijuana paraphernalia, possession of drug paraphernalia, and simple possession of a Schedule III controlled substance.
Garland is currently being held without bond at the Albemarle District Jail.
The incident remains under investigation by the Pasquotank County Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff Tommy S. Wooten II said the department remains committed to protecting the community and holding offenders accountable, emphasizing the agency’s mission of “service with purpose and vision.”
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One response to “High-Speed Chase in Pasquotank Ends With Arrest, Multiple Felony Charges Filed”
thank you – all LEOs everywhere