2 arrested after officers open fire during drug raid in Alexander County, sheriff says

TAYLORSVILLE, N.C. (WBTV) – Two people were arrested after officers opened fire during a drug raid in Alexander County Thursday, according to the sheriff.

Records showed the suspects, identified as David Carswell, 45, and Patrice Fox, 68, were both apprehended and face multiple drug and weapons-related charges. A list of those charges can be found at the bottom of this article.

Patrice Fox, David Carswell(Courtesy: Alexander County Sheriff’s Office)

What happened

The raid reportedly happened on Thursday, July 24, at a house along Bolick Lane in Taylorsville.

Deputies said as they were executing a search warrant at the home, a car sped away and drove directly toward approaching officers.

In response, reports stated several officers opened fire at the vehicle. Despite this, the sheriff’s office said the driver, later identified as Carswell, continued driving down Bolick Lane.

Officers said Carswell drove down Rink Dam Road, crossed over Highway 127, and eventually came to a stop on Hubbard Road at Cascades Drive. There, he was taken into custody.

According to the sheriff’s office, about 3.5 pounds of meth were seized during the raid. No injuries were reported during the shooting.

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It wasn’t immediately clear if Fox was involved in the encounter; however, she was arrested for a handful of drug-related charges.

Charges issued

Both suspects are facing a handful of charges related to the drug raid. A list of the charges each person is facing is listed below.

Carswell was jailed under a $1,065,000 bond, facing 11 different charges.
- Trafficking methamphetamine
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine
- Maintaining a dwelling/vehicle
- Felony assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer
- Felony flee to elude arrest
- Felony littering hazardous waste
- Reckless driving
- Driving while license revoked
- Failure to stop at a stop sign
- Resisting, obstructing, and delaying an officer
Fox was jailed under a $550,000 bond, facing five different charges.
- Trafficking methamphetamine
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
- Possession with intent to sell and deliver methamphetamine
- Maintaining a dwelling for a controlled substance
- Resisting, obstructing, and delaying an officer