A routine traffic stop in Trion resulted in the arrest of a 54-year-old man on multiple felony drug charges, including possession of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Shawn Richard Wright, 54, was taken into custody by a Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office Deputy after various controlled substances were reportedly discovered during the stop.

According to the arrest report, at approximately 5:49 PM on Monday, July 7, Deputy Nick Robinson observed a white Dodge Ram truck, bearing Georgia tag SHA5100, allegedly committing traffic infractions on Penn Bridge Road at the Highway 27 intersection. The deputy noted the vehicle stopped on the fog line. Due to heavy traffic, Deputy Robinson followed the truck onto Rossville Boulevard and then onto Oak Hill Drive. While following, the deputy also observed that the third brake light on the truck’s camper shell was not working.

The traffic stop was initiated on Oak Hill Road at the back entrance to Trion City Schools. Upon making contact with the driver, identified as Shawn Wright, Deputy Robinson noted that Wright’s seatbelt was over his shoulder. Wright reportedly acknowledged the reasons for the stop, stating he was unaware of the brake light issue and not realizing he had stopped on the fog line.

After running Wright’s information, which returned as valid, Deputy Robinson returned to the vehicle. Based on previous interactions, the deputy informed Wright that a K-9 would be deployed for an air sniff of the vehicle. At this point, Wright reportedly admitted to having a “marijuana roach” in the truck and handed a partially smoked marijuana cigarette to the deputy.

Wright was asked to step out of the vehicle and complied. He then advised the deputy that the truck belonged to his father and that a firearm was located near the driver’s and middle seats. Deputy Robinson retrieved a Kel-Tec .32 pistol, which E-911 later confirmed had no record.

A subsequent consent search of Wright’s person allegedly yielded a glass smoking device and a small zip-lock style baggie in his front shirt pocket. The baggie contained a white crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for both methamphetamine and fentanyl.

Following these discoveries, Wright was detained, and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the vehicle search, a small green zip bag containing approximately 3 grams of suspected marijuana was located near the center console. K-9 Kendy was then deployed for a secondary search and reportedly showed a change in behavior – breathing, body posture, and staring – in the passenger side front seat area where the marijuana cigarette had been retrieved.

A Trion Police Officer, Officer Peace, arrived on the scene to assist. Shawn Wright was formally placed under arrest. After making arrangements for someone to retrieve his vehicle, Wright was transported by Officer Peace to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.

Wright faces charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Possession of a Schedule II Drug(s) (likely referring to the fentanyl), and Possession of Drug Related Objects Prohibited.