Rocky Mount, NC – A Rocky Mount man is behind bars with no bond after authorities say he led deputies on a high-speed chase, threw narcotics from his vehicle, and livestreamed portions of the pursuit on social media, all during a traffic stop that quickly escalated into a multi-county incident.
Traffic Stop Quickly Escalates
According to the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, the incident began Saturday when a traffic unit deputy stopped a vehicle on Dunbarton Road in Rocky Mount for an equipment violation. The driver was identified as 28-year-old Jonathan Kendall Bulluck.
During the stop, deputies say Bulluck attempted to hand a concealed firearm to an unidentified family member inside the vehicle. The deputy immediately intervened and ordered the individual to surrender the weapon. Authorities confirmed the family member complied without resistance, and the firearm was secured.
Suspect Flees, Sparks Multi-County Pursuit
Moments later, deputies say Bulluck fled the traffic stop, launching a pursuit that traveled down N.C. Highway 97, then onto West Tarboro Road, crossing into Edgecombe County.
During the chase, Bulluck allegedly reached speeds of up to 80 miles per hour while throwing packaged narcotics out of the vehicle window, endangering the public and law enforcement officers.
Chase Ends Near School Roads
The pursuit came to an end near Bullock School Road and Green Pasture Road in Edgecombe County when deputies successfully cut off the vehicle. Bulluck was taken into custody without further incident.
Deputies later recovered the discarded narcotics, which were confirmed to be methamphetamine and fentanyl, individually packaged in a manner consistent with drug distribution, authorities said.
Firearm, Vehicle Seized
The firearm seized during the initial stop was determined not to be stolen, but deputies noted that Bulluck is a multi-convicted felon, making it illegal for him to possess any firearm.
The vehicle used in the chase was seized under North Carolina’s “Run and Done” law, which allows law enforcement to confiscate vehicles used to flee from police.
Livestream and Jailhouse Behavior
Investigators later discovered that Bulluck had been livestreaming parts of the pursuit on Facebook, drawing additional attention to the incident.
Authorities also say that while being transported to the Nash County Detention Center, Bulluck made threats toward deputies and attempted to spit on an officer, resulting in additional charges.
Extensive Criminal History
The sheriff’s office stated that Bulluck has a lengthy criminal history and is currently facing 22 pending cases across multiple counties, ranging from traffic violations to drug and firearm offenses.
Charges Filed
Bulluck is facing numerous charges, including:
- Felony flee to elude arrest with a motor vehicle
- Felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon
- Felony possession with intent to sell/deliver heroin/fentanyl
- Felony possession with intent to sell/deliver methamphetamine
- Felony malicious conduct by a prisoner
- Misdemeanor communicating threats
- Misdemeanor resisting, obstructing, or delaying an officer
- Multiple traffic violations
He is being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday at 9 a.m.
Ongoing Investigation
The Nash County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active as deputies continue reviewing evidence related to the narcotics, firearm, and social media activity connected to the chase.
Should suspects who livestream crimes on social media face additional penalties? Do you believe vehicle seizure laws like “Run and Done” help deter dangerous police chases?
Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on public safety and accountability in North Carolina.
