Man charged with possessing drugs near school

Updated at 12:36 p.m. to correct headline.

A Carteret County man accused of possessing crack cocaine near an elementary school was arrested Friday by Newport police, authorities said.

Willie Ralph Walton, 22, of Morehead City, was wanted by Newport police on numerous charges related to an ongoing drug investigation and was approached by officers working street level crimes who observed him walking in the downtown area of Chatham Street, a news release said.

Walton, also known as “Lil Ralph,” was apprehended after he attempted to flee on foot. Once he was in custody, police found him in possession of crack cocaine, the release said.

Police said Walton was out of jail on bond for prior drug charges and was released from the N.C. Department of Correction in May after serving prison time for convictions on drug-related crimes from 2007 through 2008.

Following Friday’s arrest, Walton was charged with four counts of possession with intent to sell and deliver crack cocaine within 1,000 feet of a school; possession with intent to sell and deliver crack cocaine; and resist, obstruct and delay an officer.

Police said a total of 5.6 grams of crack cocaine was seized during the alleged incidents.

Walton was placed in the Carteret County Jail under a $30,000 bond.