A 60-year-old Chattooga County man was arrested Monday afternoon on charges of methamphetamine possession and possession of drug-related objects after a traffic stop initiated by concerns over erratic driving.

Richard Lee Allen was taken into custody following an incident that began around 3:00 p.m. when Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office deputies received a B.O.L.O. (Be On The Lookout) for a dark Chevrolet truck reported to be “all over the roadway.”

Deputies located the described vehicle in the Gore area and observed it failing to maintain a single lane of travel and failing to use a turn signal. A deputy initiated a traffic stop, which concluded on Highway 27 near the Dirt Town Deli.

Suspecting the driver might be impaired and detecting a faint odor believed to be marijuana, the deputy requested assistance.  Upon a second deputy’s arrival, he also detected a strong odor of marijuana emanating from the truck while speaking with Mr. Allen, the driver.

Mr. Allen was advised to step out of the vehicle but stated he did not consent to a search. Based on probably cause, the deputy ordered Mr. Allen out of the truck and advised him not to reach for anything.

During a subsequent pat-down for weapons, deputies discovered a clear pipe with burn marks in Mr. Allen’s left pants pocket, a device officers recognized as typically used in the consumption of methamphetamine. Mr. Allen was then placed in handcuffs.

When questioned about the pipe, Mr. Allen allegedly verbally admitted to having a bag of methamphetamine in the truck’s center console and stated he used the pipe to smoke the substance. He was read his Miranda Rights at this time. Deputies then confiscated the suspected methamphetamine from the truck.

Richard Lee Allen was subsequently transported to the Chattooga County Jail. The suspected methamphetamine and smoking device were secured as evidence. In addition to the drug charges, Allen also faces charges related to traffic offences.