For Immediate Release
8/19/2022
Routine License Checkpoint Results in Drug Arrest
FLEETWOOD, N.C. – Sheriff B. Phil Howell announces the arrest of 46-year-old Stuart Chad Mast of Ashe County.
On July 28th, 2022, Sheriff Deputies and State Highway Patrol conducted a routine license checkpoint in the Fleetwood area. During the checkpoint, a Kawasaki motorcycle attempted to pass the checkpoint without stopping. After officers were able to stop the motorcycle, the vehicle was returned to the scene, where Sgt. James McNeill noticed the motorcycle did not have a registration plate.
K9 Deputy Lee Johnson and his K9 arrived and conducted an open-air sniff. K9 Officer Condor had a positive alert to the driver’s motorcycle, specifically the jacket that the subject had lain on the bike while speaking with Deputies.
During the stop, Deputies searched the jacket and found a large amount of cash, two clear baggies containing a crystal substance later to be identified as methamphetamine, and another clear bag containing a brown powder substance. Additional evidence was submitted to the N.C. State Bureau of Investigation Crime Lab for further analysis, which may result in additional charges at a later date.
The motorcycle is not owned/registered by the individual but has not been reported stolen at this time.
Mast was placed under arrest at the scene of the traffic check and transported to the Ashe County Detention Center by Sgt. McNeill, where Mast was booked under a $2,500 Secured bond and released.
Stewart Chad Mast, 46 Years old, of Fleetwood, NC, was charged by ACSO & NCSHP with the following:
- NC 90-95 (A)(3) Felony- Possess Methamphetamine
- NC 20-7 (A)(1) No Motorcycle Endorsement
- NC 20-111(1) Drive/Allow Motor Vehicle with No Registration
- NC 20-111(1) Drive/Allow Motor Vehicle Registration Plate not displayed
