Tennessee Highway Patrol Arrests Two for Meth Violations in Separate Traffic Stops
NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Highway Patrol arrested two individuals on METH related charges. The incidents occurred in Henderson and Decatur counties in the eighth district on April 25th.
Trooper Phillip Long and Dwayne Stanford stopped a Ford Taurus traveling west on US Highway 412 for speeding in Henderson County. Trooper Long noticed the driver of the vehicle appeared extremely nervous. The driver was asked to step out of his vehicle and consented to a search. A search of the vehicle revealed two boxes of pseudoephedrine, a bottle of drain cleaner, and lithium batteries. The male driver, Kenneth Coleman (53) of Lexington, TN was arrested for the promotion of methamphetamine manufacture.
In a separate incident, Trooper Jeremy Miller stopped a Lincoln for following too close on Highway 69 in Decatur County. Trooper Long asked and was given permission to search the suspect’s vehicle. Assisted by Trooper Baron Cooper, the troopers conducted a search of the vehicle and discovered a box of pseudoephedrine. Upon further investigation it was determined that Anthony McElrath (49) of Decaturville, TN is on parole for prior methamphetamine convictions.
Trooper Miller contacted Anthony McElrath’s parole officer and was given permission to conduct a search on his residence. Troopers Miller, Long, Cooper, and Stanford, in conjunction with other law enforcement agencies, conducted a search of his residence. The investigation led to the discovery of items used to manufacture methamphetamine, a glass pipe, digital scales, multiple match books, marijuana, muriatic acid, a funnel, sandwich baggies, cocaine, and crystal methamphetamine. Anthony McElrath was arrested and charges were filed in Decatur County.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure that our state is a safe, secure place in which to live, work and travel; enforce the law with integrity; and provide customer-focused services professionally and efficiently. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services.
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