A 35-year-old man was arrested in Chattooga County after deputies recovered methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug-related objects during a vehicle stop connected to a pursuit that began in Cherokee County.

According to the incident report, deputies in Chattooga County were alerted on November 21st to assist after Cherokee County units lost sight of a fleeing vehicle near Back Valley Road and Johnson Cemetery Road. When local deputies arrived in the area, they found that the suspect—identified as Branden Sallas, 35—had already been detained by Cherokee County authorities.

Deputies reported that Sallas had driven a blue bag out of the woods before being taken into custody. A clear plastic bag containing a white crystal substance, later suspected to be methamphetamine, was collected from the roadway. Authorities say the substance showed residue consistent with methamphetamine.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a backpack with a small amount of marijuana and empty plastic bags commonly used for distribution. The items were seized as evidence.

Sallas was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident. He is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana less than an ounce, and possession of drug-related objects.