Two men involved in a drug trafficking organization were arrested on Monday, Nov. 4, after a long investigation and fleeing from police on I-80.

Timothy Marion Barfield Jr., 36, of Stockton, California, is facing five charges of possession with intent to distribute, a second-degree felony, failure to stop at the command of law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor, reckless driving, a class B misdemeanor, possession of marijuana or spice, a class B misdemeanor, use or possession of drug paraphernalia, also a class B misdemeanor, and obstruction of justice, a class A misdemeanor.

Caleb Lamonte Graham, 23, of Stockton, California,  is facing five charges of possession with intent to distribute, a second-degree felony, obstruction of justice, a third-degree felony, failure to stop at the command of law enforcement, a class A misdemeanor, possession of marijuana or spice, a class B misdemeanor, and use or possession of drug paraphernalia, also a class B misdemeanor.

Earlier in 2024, the FBI and Davis Metro Narcotic Strike Force, collectively known as the FBI Wasatch Metro Drug Task Force, initiated a criminal investigation into a known source of supply for narcotics associated with a drug trafficking organization believed to be distributing a large quantity of narcotics in Utah, according to a probable cause statement written by an arresting officer.

On Nov. 4, the WMDTF organization received a tip that primary suspect Barfield had reentered Utah after having left the state weeks prior. WMDTF agents identified a vehicle that they believed Barfield was operating. While requesting aid from additional units, agents noted that the vehicle Barfield was driving had a taillight with a minimal or inoperable amount of light being omitted and a damaged front passenger headlight.

The vehicle pulled to the side of the road near the Salt Lake County line on I-80. Agents recognized the passenger of the vehicle to be Graham.

It was decided by agents at the time that, given the two individuals’ felonious criminal histories, a high-risk traffic stop was the safest way to proceed. In the past, Barfield has been convicted or accused of manslaughter, child cruelty, grand theft from a person, assault with a firearm on a person, and other crimes. Graham has been convicted or accused of unlawful possession of a firearm, threats to kill another person, promoting prostitution, and possession with intent to distribute. Utah Highway Patrol units opted to assist with the traffic stop, according to the PC statement.

While attempting to give commands to the occupants of the vehicle, the vehicle fled from the traffic stop toward Salt Lake City. With the assistance of a helicopter, it was noted that Graham had thrown a backpack from the vehicle, which assisting agents were able to retrieve while UHP continued with the traffic stop. The vehicle reached speeds of 110 miles per hour, but the vehicle was eventually disabled after officers spiked the tires.

Officers witnessed Barfield and Graham exit the vehicle and begin fleeing southeast on foot. Agents noted that it was dark out at the time of the incident.

Both Barfield and Graham were caught and taken into custody after they fled from the vehicle approximately a mile southeast, according to the PC statement. Barfield told police that he recognized that he was being pulled over at the time, but saw guns and was “afraid for his life.”

The backpack that was thrown from the vehicle contained 13.8 grams of fentanyl powder, 6,000 fentanyl pills, 440 grams of methamphetamine, 471 grams of cocaine, 107 grams of crack cocaine, user amounts of marijuana, and a scale, according to the PC statement. A vehicle search ensued due to the illegal items coming from the vehicle. The odor of marijuana radiated from the vehicle.

The case is pending a federal review for indictment, as this has been a long-term investigation into the drug trafficking organization where seven pounds of field-tested positive methamphetamine were seized, along with approximately 2,500 fentanyl pills, one pound of cocaine, and multiple firearms from a residence where Barfield and Graham were residing. One of the firearms returned was stolen out of the Salt Lake Valley. This search warrant was executed nearly four months ago when Barfield fled from the residence and evaded police custody at the time, according to the PC statement.

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