Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina – A late-night traffic stop in Kill Devil Hills led to the arrest of a local man after deputies discovered a felony amount of a controlled substance inside his vehicle, according to authorities.
The incident occurred just before midnight on Friday, December 26, when deputies with the Dare County Sheriff’s Office stopped a vehicle for a traffic violation. The stop ultimately escalated into a drug investigation and resulted in several criminal charges.
Traffic Stop Turns Into Drug Investigation
Deputies initiated the stop at approximately 11:50 p.m. after observing traffic violations while the vehicle was traveling through Kill Devil Hills. During the interaction, deputies developed probable cause to search the vehicle.
A subsequent search uncovered what authorities described as a felony amount of a controlled substance, prompting immediate enforcement action. The substance was seized as evidence at the scene.
Law enforcement officials did not disclose the specific substance involved but confirmed it falls under Schedule I, a classification reserved for drugs considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use under federal and state law.
Suspect Identified and Charges Filed
The driver was identified as Timothy Buchanan, 27, of Kill Devil Hills. He was taken into custody at the scene without incident.
Buchanan faces multiple charges, including:
- Felony possession of a Schedule I controlled substance
- Misdemeanor driving while impaired
- Misdemeanor open container of alcohol violation
- Failure to maintain lane control
- Driving left of center
Authorities indicated that the driving-related charges stem from observations made prior to and during the traffic stop.
Bond Set Following Arrest
Following his arrest, Buchanan was issued a $4,000 secured bond related to the charges. Court dates and further proceedings are expected to be scheduled through the Dare County judicial system.
The Dare County Sheriff’s Office noted that routine traffic enforcement remains a key tool in identifying impaired driving and uncovering illegal activity on local roadways.
Why Traffic Stops Often Lead to Larger Cases
Law enforcement agencies frequently emphasize that many drug and impaired-driving arrests begin with minor traffic violations, such as lane infractions or equipment issues. Once a stop is made, deputies may legally expand the investigation if signs of impairment, illegal substances, or other violations are observed.
In North Carolina, officers are permitted to conduct vehicle searches when probable cause is established, which can include the smell of drugs or alcohol, visible contraband, or observed behavior consistent with impairment.
Officials continue to urge drivers to remain alert, obey traffic laws, and avoid driving under the influence, stressing that impaired driving poses serious risks to both motorists and pedestrians—especially in busy coastal communities during peak travel periods.
Ongoing Emphasis on Road Safety
The Dare County Sheriff’s Office has reiterated its commitment to proactive traffic enforcement, particularly during late-night hours and holiday periods when impaired driving incidents tend to increase.
Deputies say these efforts are aimed not only at enforcing the law but also at preventing serious crashes and injuries on Outer Banks roadways.
Conclusion
What began as a routine traffic stop in Kill Devil Hills late Friday night ended with the arrest of a local man now facing both felony and misdemeanor charges. Authorities say the case underscores the importance of traffic enforcement in maintaining public safety and addressing impaired driving and illegal drug possession.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact local law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
