Ethan Seth Bryant, a 35-year-old resident of Chattooga County, was arrested on September 25, 2024, after a routine traffic stop led to the discovery of illegal substances in his vehicle. A Chattooga County Deptuy, who was patrolling Highway 27 Northbound, noticed Bryant’s Jeep driving on the shoulder of the highway with both right-side tires off the pavement.

The deputy activated his emergency lights, prompting Bryant to pull over without incident. Upon approaching the vehicle, the deputy requested Bryant’s driver’s license, which he provided readily. When asked about his recent whereabouts, Bryant stated he was returning from a friend’s house on Mountain View Road. However, when questioned about his past legal troubles, he admitted to being on probation for drug-related offenses.

After confirming Bryant’s probation status through Chattooga E911, the deputy sought consent to search the vehicle. Bryant complied, allowing the officer to conduct a thorough search. During the search, the deputy discovered a loose plastic seal around the gear shift. Upon removing it, he found a sock containing a glass smoking device and two clear bags with a white powdery substance, suspected to be methamphetamine.

Bryant was placed under arrest and transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident. Upon arrival, a jail officer discovered a small bag in Bryant’s left cargo pocket, which he identified as containing Xanax. Bryant now faces several charges, including possession of methamphetamine, possession of Schedule IV drugs, possession of drug-related objects, and failure to maintain lane, and crossing the guard line with drugs.