A routine traffic stop conducted by the Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, October 21, escalated quickly when an officer recognized a passenger who was wanted on outstanding felony warrants, leading to the discovery of illegal narcotics.

Coty Allen Williamson, 31, was arrested after a deputy located substances testing positive for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl inside the vehicle he occupied. Williamson is currently facing three new charges, including two felonies.

The incident began when Deputy J. Claxton observed a white Dodge pickup truck traveling near Highway 27 and Ellen Street that was not bearing a license plate. Deputy Claxton initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle near the George Kwik Store.

Upon approaching the vehicle, Deputy Claxton identified the driver. However, the deputy quickly recognized the middle passenger as Coty Allen Williamson, who was known to have active felony warrants for his arrest.

According to the arrest narrative, when Deputy Claxton instructed Mr. Williamson to show his hands, Williamson began digging around his right side, prompting the deputy to draw his department-issued taser and give verbal commands. Williamson eventually complied, was extracted from the vehicle, and placed in handcuffs.

Deputies Reynolds and Garmany arrived on the scene to assist.

Following the apprehension, the driver, the driver, provided verbal consent for deputies to search the vehicle. During the initial search, Deputy Claxton located a glass smoking device containing a white crystal substance, commonly associated with drug ingestion. The substance in the pipe field-tested positive for Methamphetamine and Fentanyl.

A subsequent search conducted by Deputy Reynolds located a small clear baggie containing a crystal-like substance that also tested positive for both Methamphetamine and Fentanyl.

When questioned by authorities after being read his Miranda rights, Mr. Williamson claimed full ownership of the contraband. He allegedly stated that the glass device was his pipe and that “everything that was located in the vehicle was his.”

Williamson was transported to the Chattooga County Jail and was turned over to jail staff without further incident.

The Chattooga County Sheriff’s Office is seeking warrants for Williamson on the following charges:

  • Possession of Methamphetamine (Felony)
  • Possession of a Schedule II Drug (Fentanyl) (Felony)
  • Possession of Drug Related Objects (Misdemeanor)

The driver of the vehicle received a Uniform Citation for a busted taillight and warnings for the other observed infractions. The other occupants of the vehicle were questioned but released after Williamson claimed ownership of the narcotics.