SALISBURY — A Salisbury man was convicted of felony cocaine and heroin trafficking charges this week and sentenced by a judge to seven and a half years to 10 years in prison.

Kenneth Derrell Lark was convicted on Thursday in Rowan County Criminal Superior Court on charges of felony trafficking in cocaine; felony trafficking in opium or heroin; felony possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule II controlled substance; felony possession with intent to manufacture, sell or deliver a Schedule VI controlled substance; felony maintaining a vehicle or dwelling for trafficking in controlled substances; misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia; misdemeanor resisting a public officer; three counts of felony cruelty to animals; misdemeanor child abuse; and misdemeanor breaking and entering.

Judge Kevin Bridges sentenced Lark to prison time and a mandatory fine of $100,000.

According to a statement, on Dec. 13, 2016, the Salisbury Police Department served a search warrant at a residence on West Monroe Street. Lark was inside the residence but ran out of the house and was not located at that time.

Detectives found a silver case in the garage near the where Lark ran. Authorities found marijuana, cocaine, hydrocodone pills, more $8,000 in cash, and documents with Lark’s name in the silver case.

Detectives also found marijuana and electronic scales in a bedroom.

On Feb. 27, 2016, deputies with the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office received a report about an assault that occurred two days earlier. The complainant said her grandson was assaulted by Lark and that Lark destroyed two chicken coups and killed baby ducks and chickens.

On April 5, detectives with the Salisbury Police Department said they saw Lark driving a vehicle, and he was not wearing a seat belt. Detectives tried to make a traffic stop, but Lark pulled into a driveway and ran.

During the foot chase, detectives saw Lark reach into his pocket. He was eventually detained. Detectives found hydrocodone pills in the area where Lark ran.

Lark has a previous conviction for felony assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill, among others.

Rowan County District Attorney Brandy Cook thanked Assistant District Attorney Tim Gould, the Salisbury Police Department, and the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office for their work on the case.