Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputies apprehended a Tennessee man on Highway 27 North near Trion on May 10th after an off-duty state trooper reported a reckless driver. The incident, which occurred around 3:19 p.m., involved a white 2004 Dodge truck with Tennessee license plates reportedly driving erratically.

A deputy intercepted the vehicle at Underwood Dairy Road after activating emergency lights. The driver, identified as Brandon Samuels of Cleveland, Tennessee, initially claimed to be en route to a friend’s house in the area. Off-duty Georgia State Trooper Gant, present at the scene, informed deputies that he had followed Samuels’ truck from Highway 151. Gant reported witnessing numerous lane violations and estimated the vehicle reached speeds between 80-85 mph, narrowly avoiding hitting two pedestrians in Walker County before crossing into Chattooga County. Deputies observed suspicious behavior from Samuels during questioning, including physical tremors and rapid breathing. The presence of two children in the backseat heightened their concern, leading to suspicions of drug involvement.

After being confronted, Samuels allegedly admitted to possessing narcotics located in the vehicle’s center console. A subsequent search revealed a small plastic bag suspected to contain methamphetamine. The children were placed under the supervision of the Department of Family and Children Services (DFACS) until their mother arrived approximately two hours later. After verifying her identity and relationship to the children, they were released into her care. DFACS officials indicated that a referral would be made to Tennessee authorities.

Brandon Samuels was transported to the Chattooga County Jail and faces charges related to the incident.