A local man, Joel Gregory Rice, is set to appear in Cumberland County General Sessions Court on July 21, 2026, to face a long list of felony drug, assault, and traffic-related charges following his arrest in two separate law enforcement incidents.

According to court dockets, Rice’s bond has been officially revoked heading into his upcoming deadline hearing. He is represented by attorney Jeff Vires.

The drug-related charges against Rice stem from an incident on November 14, 2024. According to an affidavit filed by Deputy Caleb Charles, officers conducted a “knock and talk” at Rice’s residence at 6 Coyote Court as part of an overdose investigation.

After Rice granted permission to search the home, deputies uncovered a significant cache of controlled substances and cash. Inside two bedroom safes and various locations around the residence, officers discovered:

• $11,312 in cash

• 272.5 pressed Fentanyl pills (rectangular)

• 33 blue circular pills stamped “M30”

• 107 grams of a green leafy substance (marijuana)

• 25 grams of a crystal-like substance believed to be Methamphetamine

• 144 Tramadol pills

• 16 doses of Psilocybin (7 pills and 9 gel caps)

• 2 Ecstasy pills

• LSD contained in a black baggie

Rice was taken into custody and charged with manufacturing, delivering, selling, or possessing Schedule I and controlled substances.

Just over two months later, on January 26, 2025, Rice was involved in a second major law enforcement encounter. According to an arrest warrant filed by Cpl. Brent Griffin, a deputy clocked a white car traveling 84 mph in a 45 mph zone on Lantana Road.

When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled, reaching speeds of approximately 116 mph. The driver passed multiple vehicles in double-yellow, oncoming traffic lanes before turning onto side roads and eventually pulling into the driveway at 6 Coyote Court.

Upon arrival, the deputy exited his patrol vehicle, at which point Rice allegedly placed his car in reverse and rammed the police cruiser—pushing it dangerously close to the officer. Rice’s vehicle then struck a second patrol car before coming to a stop.

After fleeing inside the residence, Rice actively resisted arrest by ignoring officer commands and hiding his hands beneath his body before being subdued. A subsequent search of his vehicle yielded approximately 19 grams of marijuana.

Rice faces a combined list of serious charges across both court filings, including:

Rice remains in custody following the revocation of his bond as the court prepares for the July 21 proceedings.