Raeford, NC - The Hoke County Sheriff’s Office announces on January 20, 2026, Detectives with the Narcotic Vice Suppression Unit (NVSU) were contacted by North Carolina State Highway Patrol in reference to a vehicle collision. The vehicle had rolled, a juvenile inside the vehicle was ejected, and the driver, Rochi Dowell Purdie, sustained significant injuries. Both occupants were life-flighted to Chapel Hill for injuries that occurred as a result of the crash.

While investigating the collision, Highway Patrol located a loaded firearm and blue bag containing suspected narcotics. Detectives with the NVSU responded and initial tests showed the substances to be 100 grams of suspected cocaine, 24 grams of suspected “crack” cocaine, 15 grams of methamphetamine, 51 dosage units of Suboxone, and possible fentanyl. Digital scales were also located inside the bag, as well as other items of paraphernalia. 

On January 21, 2026, arrest warrants were obtained for Mr. Purdie in reference to two counts of trafficking cocaine, possess with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver cocaine, possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver methamphetamine, possess with intent to sell/deliver a schedule III-controlled substance, possession of firearm by convicted felon, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Due to the injuries, the arrest warrants have not been served at this time.

The investigation is on-going.