FLORENCE, South Carolina — Two individuals were arrested Friday after a FLOCK stolen vehicle alert led to a police pursuit and the discovery of drugs and a firearm.
Anthony Ray, 32, and Jelonta Bacote, 28, were taken into custody following the incident, which began when Florence Police Department (FPD) officers received a FLOCK alert about a stolen vehicle from Darlington County. Officers located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver, later identified as Bacote, fled, leading to a short pursuit.
The chase ended when Bacote crashed the vehicle into a tree. Ray was apprehended at the scene, while Bacote fled on foot but was quickly captured nearby. A search of the vehicle revealed 31.2 grams of suspected marijuana, 1.0 gram of suspected cocaine, and a handgun.
Ray faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and drug offenses. Bacote is charged with failure to stop for blue lights, possession of a stolen vehicle, driving under suspension, and drug offenses. No injuries were reported from the collision.
The FPD praised its officers for their swift response, emphasizing their commitment to addressing criminal activity and ensuring community safety.
— City of Florence Police Department
