Several routine traffic stops in recent days turned up illegal drugs and illegal weapons at locations across Fayette County.
According to reports, deputies received an alert June 4 that a 2019 Nissan Altima with a stolen plate had entered the county from Fairburn. A traffic stop took place and a search of the car revealed the presence of Oxycodone as well as a pistol.
Ebrima Jobe, 28, of Atlanta was arrested and charged with possession of a vehicle with an altered VIN, which is a felony, as well as possession of a weapon by a convicted felon and a felony drug count. He was also charged with using a license plate to conceal identification.
A deputy on patrol in the area of Hwy. 138 and Hwy. 314 in the wee hours of June 4 noticed a vehicle with no lights on the rear. A traffic stop was attempted but the vehicle fled, running a few traffic lights in the process, and was pursued into Clayton County, whose law enforcement authorities assisted at that point.
The driver abandoned the vehicle in a Riverdale mobile home park and fled on foot. A deputy was able to pursue on foot and use a taser on the suspect so that he could be taken into custody. Crystal methamphetamine was found in the vehicle.
Juan Rivera, 42, of Riverdale was charged with three felony counts of fleeing/eluding law enforcement, reckless driving and drug possession. He was also charged with obstruction of an officer and several traffic violations.
During a June 4 traffic stop on Hwy. 74 near Georgian Park, the driver was found to be in possession of MDMA, or Ecstasy, as well as a firearm. The passenger was found to be a convicted felon.
Fatima Bennett, 31, of Atlanta was arrested for a felony drug charge, possession of a firearm or knife in commission of a crime (also a felony), marijuana possession, a tag violation and possession/use of drug-related objects.
Donald Nelson, 32, of Senoia was arrested for possession of a weapon by a convicted felon.
In the wee hours of June 5 an officer saw a vehicle pull into the parking lot of Picnic Park and stop. Contact was made with the driver, who was found to be driving under the influence. A search for the source of the intoxication turned up cocaine as well as two firearms.
Cody Etheridge, 37, of Senoia was arrested on felony drugs and weapons charges as well as driving under the influence.
According to reports, a hands-free violation was the reason for a June 5 mid-afternoon traffic stop near Hwy. 74 and Peachtree Parkway. The tag on the black Hyundai Elantra was also displayed improperly.
The driver was found to be operating the car on a suspended license. Not only that, but he was wanted out of Douglas County.
Tyler Grayes, 26, was taken to Fayette County Jail to await pickup by Douglas County authorities, and his car was removed from the scene by a licensed coworker
