The following information is gleaned from incident reports, which are public record, from the Jones County Sheriff’s Department and Gray Police Department Oct. 19, 2023.
Oct. 19
Going “too slow”
Deputy Elrod was on patrol at Mattie Wells and Hwy. 49 when he observed a vehicle traveling southbound on 49 at a very slow rate of speed. The speed limit on Hwy. 49 is 55 mph and the vehicle appeared to be traveling at approximately 30-35 mph.
Elrod knew this was unusual for traffic flow on 49. The deputy pulled out behind the vehicle and the driver increased speed up to approximately 45 mph then slowed back down again. Upon approaching the intersection of Griswoldville Rd. on Hwy. 49, the vehicle drifted to the left-hand lane when the lanes open back up to a four lane, then the vehicle drifted back into the right-hand lane of travel. At this time, Elrod activated his blue lights and initiated a traffic stop. The deputy made contact with the female driver and as soon as she let her window down, he noticed an odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle. Elrod obtained the female subject’s identification and had dispatch run it through the GCIC/NCIC system. Dispatch advised the deputy that the female had a suspended driver’s license.
Elrod asked the female if there were any drugs or weapons in the vehicle and she replied, “No” then advised him there were “only a few roaches” in the ashtray. Sgt.
Humphries arrived on scene to assist while Elrod did a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, the deputy found a “Optimo” cigarillo package that contained a half-burnt marijuana cigar. The female was placed in handcuffs and transported to the Jones County LEC where she was issued a citation for driving on suspended license and a citation for possession of marijuana less than one ounce.
