On February 16, 2026, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to the area of Finch Farm Rd. and Old Mountain Rd., Trinity, regarding a possible overdose and a vehicle stopped in the roadway. Upon their arrival, deputies found the driver slumped over in the seat, with the vehicle still in drive and the doors locked. The driver was identified as Brandon Ellis Simmons. After several attempts to rouse him, he managed to lift his head but did not follow commands and rapidly accelerated away from the scene. Deputies initiated a pursuit. They successfully executed a rolling roadblock, halting the vehicle on Interstate 85 N. Simmons was subsequently taken into custody.
During a subsequent search, a concealed handgun, marijuana, and paraphernalia were located.
He was transported to the Randolph County Detention Center, where the magistrate found probable cause for felony flee/elude arrest with motor vehicle felony, misdemeanor reckless driving to endanger, misdemeanor speeding, misdemeanor impede traffic, misdemeanor possession of marijuana up to 1/2 oz, failure to maintain lane control, fail to wear seat belt-driver, misdemeanor resisting a public officer, misdemeanor carrying a concealed gun, and misdemeanor possession of marijuana paraphernalia. He was issued a $10,000 secured bond, and a court date was set for February 16, 2026, in Randolph County District Court.
Name of Defendant:
Brandon Ellis Simmons
Age: 42
