A routine observation of reckless driving by a Chattooga County Sheriff’s deputy last Friday quickly escalated into a drug bust, leading to the arrest of a local man on multiple felony drug and traffic charges.

Dillion Vanallen Sims, 37, was taken into custody on September 19, 2025, after an incident that began with a deputy observing his vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and performing dangerous maneuvers on Highway 114.

According to the official report from the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office, Deputy J. Claxton was conducting stationary patrol near Smith Ironworks when he witnessed a vehicle, later identified as driven by Sims, pass his location without a rear tag. Deputy Claxton noted the vehicle’s excessive speed and observed it go airborne as it crossed the railroad tracks at 5285 Highway 114.

Upon initiating a traffic stop, Deputy Claxton reported that the vehicle’s rear end dropped, and it accelerated rapidly before turning on its hazard lights and making an immediate turn into a private driveway. Deputy Claxton called for Officer in Charge Gene Whitworth to assist due to the erratic driving.

When Deputy Claxton approached the vehicle, Sims allegedly stated he did not possess a valid driver’s license. Sims was detained, and a subsequent check through dispatch confirmed his license was suspended.

Following Sims’ arrest, Deputy Claxton reportedly detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the vehicle, prompting a probable cause search. During the search, officers located a small glass jar containing a yellowish/white crystal-like substance, along with two electric dab rigs.

The unknown substance was later field-tested at the Sheriff’s Office, yielding positive results for a dangerous combination of illicit drugs: THC, Methamphetamine, and Fentanyl.

Sims now faces a comprehensive list of charges, including Driving While License Suspended, No Valid License, No Tag, Reckless Driving, Possession of THC Wax, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of Fentanyl.

All events of the incident were reportedly captured on Deputy Claxton’s body-worn camera. Sims was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without further incident, where he remains awaiting further legal proceedings.