TOWNS COUNTY, Ga. — What started as a funeral procession ended with hazmat suits and a drug investigation, according to a Georgia sheriff’s office.
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Towns County Sheriff’s Office said the incident happened Tuesday afternoon while a deputy was assisting with a funeral escort on Highway 76.
According to authorities, a deputy pulled over a Chevrolet Malibu after the driver allegedly failed to yield to emergency vehicles leading the procession.
As the investigation continued, deputies said they developed probable cause to believe the driver was under the influence of drugs.
Authorities said the situation took another turn when deputies discovered materials inside the vehicle that they believed were consistent with a mobile, or “rolling,” methamphetamine lab.
Out of concern for public safety and the possible presence of hazardous chemicals, deputies stopped traffic and secured the area while waiting for more resources, according to the sheriff’s office.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation Lab Unit was called to process and secure the scene.
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The driver was taken to Chatuge Regional Hospital for evaluation. The deputy was also evaluated after experiencing possible symptoms related to exposure at the scene.
Both were later released from the hospital, authorities said.
The driver was arrested on charges of DUI-drugs and possession of methamphetamine. More charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Sheriff Anthony Coleman praised the deputy’s actions.
“Had it not been for Deputy Stanley’s actions, people could have been seriously injured. This individual was taken into custody before that could happen,” Coleman said.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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