BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A high-speed police pursuit through Beckley and onto Interstate 77 ended with a major drug bust, a firearm seizure, and multiple charges filed against a man accused of endangering two juveniles in the process.
According to authorities, the incident began when an officer conducting radar patrol clocked a burgundy Subaru Outback with Ohio tags traveling 43 MPH in a 30 MPH zone near South Fayette Street. When the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver — later identified as Jedidiah Deloso — allegedly fled, reaching speeds over 100 MPH and swerving into oncoming lanes as he sped through Beckley and onto Ritter Drive.
The chase continued through the Marathon Gas Station on Odd Road, where the front seat passenger leapt from the moving vehicle. Sgt. Ramey of the Raleigh County Sheriff’s Department arrived to assist while the pursuit continued onto I-77 Southbound.
The vehicle finally came to a stop near mile marker 12 on I-77. Officers conducted a felony traffic stop, detaining Deloso and two juveniles who were in the vehicle. According to police, both minors said they repeatedly asked Deloso to let them out during the pursuit, but he refused.
A K9 unit from the West Virginia State Police alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle. A search revealed:
-
A baggie containing 63.5 grams of methamphetamine
-
A concealed 9mm Taurus handgun
The meth tested positive and the amount exceeded personal use, leading to a charge of possession with intent to deliver. Deloso was also found to be under 21 and did not possess a concealed carry permit.
He faces multiple charges, including:
-
Fleeing with reckless indifference
-
Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine
-
Two counts of child endangerment
-
Carrying a concealed firearm without a permit
The juveniles were released to a guardian, and the investigation is ongoing.
