Meth distribution charged

Officers fired weapons as suspect drove toward them

A local man and woman are facing multiple charges in connection with methamphetamine trafficking following an investigation in the Bethlehem Community.

On July 24, 2025, the Alexander County Sheriff’s Office, in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, executed a search warrant at a residence located at 161 Bolick Lane in Taylorsville.

As officers approached the property, a vehicle fled the scene by driving directly toward the approaching officers. In response, several officers discharged their service weapons at the vehicle. Despite this, the suspect continued driving down Bolick Lane, turned left onto Rink Dam Road, and crossed directly over Highway 127. The vehicle came to a stop on Hubbard Road at Cascades Drive, where the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. Officers seized approximately 3½ pounds of methamphetamine.

No injuries were reported among officers or the suspect during the event.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) was contacted and is assisting with the ongoing investigation. Agencies assisting in the execution of the warrant included the Caldwell County Sheriff’s Office, Lenoir Police Department, North Carolina Highway Patrol, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, and the Bethlehem Fire Department.

Two people were arrested:

• David Ray Carswell, a 45-year-old white male, of Taylorsville, faces the following charges: two counts of Trafficking Methamphetamine, one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, one count of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine, two counts of Maintaining a Dwelling/Vehicle for Controlled Substance, three counts of Felony Assault with a Deadly Weapon on a Law Enforcement Officer, one count of Felony Flee to Elude Arrest, one count of Felony Littering Hazardous Waste, one count of Reckless Driving, one count of Driving While License Revoked, one count of Failure to Stop at a Stop Sign, and one count of Resist, Obstruct, and Delay an Officer.

Carswell is being held at the Alexander County Detention Center under a $1,065,000 secured bond. His first court appearance is scheduled for July 28, 2025, in Alexander County District Court.

• Patrice Steele Fox, a 68-year-old white female of Taylorsville, is charged with: one count of Trafficking Methamphetamine, one count of Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, one count of Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver Methamphetamine, one count of Maintaining a Dwelling for a Controlled Substance, and one count of Resist, Obstruct, and Delay an Officer.

Fox is also being held at the Alexander County Detention Center under a $550,000 secured bond, with a first court appearance scheduled for July 28, 2025.