On May 21, 2022, the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection of Meadowbrook Dr. and NC-62 in Trinity, in regards to an unconscious person in a vehicle blocking traffic. Upon arrival, the deputy observed a white in color sports utility vehicle with an unconscious male in the driver seat. The deputy attempted to wake the driver up by knocking on the window but the driver, later identified as Raymond Henry O'Neal, was unresponsive so the deputy opened the driver side front door to evaluate him. O’Neal woke and attempted to start the vehicle and put it in drive, but was ordered to cut the vehicle off and exit it. While trying to detain O’Neal, he refused to cooperate with the lawful orders of the deputy and became combative. The citizen who made the initial call assisted the deputy in order for the deputy to restrain O’Neal prior to additional deputies arriving. NC State Highway Patrol responded for a field sobriety test.
During the investigation, it was determined the vehicle had been reported stolen from a Sheetz in Winston Salem with a child still in the vehicle and then the vehicle was involved in a larceny at Thomasville Walmart as well as abandoning the three-year-old child. Electronics with the anti-theft inventory devices still affixed and some Mainstays brand items were visible in the vehicle.
Detectives from Winston-Salem Police Department and the Thomasville Police Department responded to collect evidence. O’Neal was transported to the Randolph County Detention Center and charged him with Felony Possession of Stolen Motor Vehicle, Misdemeanor Possession of Stolen Goods, Impeding Flow of Traffic, Misdemeanor Resisting Public Officer, and Misdemeanor Assault on Government Official. He was also served with a warrant Thomasville Police Department had taken out for Misdemeanor Larceny. The magistrate found probable cause for all offenses and issued O’Neal a total of $41,000 secured bond.
He was later served the warrants out of Forsyth County for Felony First Degree Kidnapping and Felony Larceny of a Motor Vehicle and received a $100,000 secured bond. A first appearance was set for May 23, 2022, in Randolph County District Court.
Name of Defendant:
Raymond Henry O'Neal
Age:49