On September 3, 2023, a Randolph County Sheriff’s Deputy patrolling the area of US Hwy 220 S, Asheboro, observed a motorcycle traveling south when the operator turned off the lights and turned left on Crestview Church Rd. The deputy followed the motorcycle, which was not displaying a registration plate. A traffic stop was initiated but the driver did not stop and a pursuit began. During the pursuit, the deputy observed the driver wearing a black Nike book bag. The pursuit proceeded through Randolph County and into Chatham County. The driver crashed on R C Overman Rd. ending the pursuit, however, the suspect fled into a wooded area on foot. The pursuing deputy deployed K9 Frank for suspect apprehension. Deputies entered the wooded area and observed the male, identified as Adam Michael Clodfelter, lying face down on the ground. As the deputy recalled K9 Frank back to his location, Clodfelter jumped up and began to flee on foot again. K9 Frank was released again and successfully apprehended Clodfelter; he was taken into custody without further incident. Clodfelter was not in possession of the book bag at the time of arrest and the deputy was not able to locate the backpack in the area.
While walking Clodfelter back to the patrol vehicles, deputies observed a silver handgun lying on the ground on the path taken while pursuing Clodfelter on foot. Once collected, deputies discovered the handgun was loaded and had been reported stolen.
Clodfelter was transported to the Randolph County Detention Center where the magistrate found probable cause for felony possession of stolen firearm, felony possession of a firearm by felon, felony flee/elude arrest w/motor vehicle, misdemeanor driving a motor vehicle with no registration, misdemeanor speeding, misdemeanor driving while license revoked, misdemeanor no liability insurance, misdemeanor reckless driving to endanger, motorcycle fail to burn headlamp, drive left of center, fail to stop-steady red light, failed to yield for stop sign/flashing red light, misdemeanor fail to heed light or siren, misdemeanor aggressive driving, misdemeanor resist public officer, drive wrong way-one way St/Rd, and unsafe passing crest or curve. The magistrate issued a $100,000 secured bond and a first appearance was set for September 5, 2023, in Randolph County District Court.
The motorcycle was seized pursuit to the “Run and You’re Done Law.”
After daybreak, deputies revisited the crash site and adjacent pasture in an attempt to locate the missing book bag Clodfelter possessed during the pursuit. The property owner granted unconditional permission to search for the outstanding item on the property, but it was not located. Deputies began a reverse route search for the missing book bag. Deputies knew Clodfelter had the book bag on his back at E. Raleigh Rd. and US HWY 64 toward the end of the pursuit. In the 600-700 block of Silk Hope Rd. in Siler City, a black Nike book bag matching the initial description given to communications at the onset of the pursuit, was located. During the search, methamphetamine, paraphernalia, burglary tool, a black cell phone, and a few other personal items were located.
Deputies appeared before the magistrate again regarding the contents of Clodfelter's bag and probable cause was found for additional charges of felony trafficking methamphetamine, felony possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver methamphetamine felony possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of burglary tools, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond was denied and these charges were included in on the original first appearance set for September 5, 2023.
Name of Defendant:
Adam Michael Clodfelter
Age: 23
