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Switched Tag Leads Magee Police to Reveal Impaired Driver Possessing Illegal Substance
While on patrol Friday night, March 6th, 2015, Magee Police Department’s DUI Unit Officer Shane Fewell initiated a traffic stop on Highway 49 at approximately 9:00 pm, after he determined a dark colored SUV with a switched tag.
According to officials, as Officer Fewell approached the driver, he detected a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. Subsequent to identifying the driver as, Austin Griffith, of Magee, Officer Fewell then asked for consent to search the SUV, which Griffith refused.
Magee Police Narcotics Investigator, Lt. Joey Womack, and K-9 Jade were then called to the scene. K-9 Jade alerted officers to the driver’s seat and center console area of the vehicle.
After probable cause was established, Lt Womack reportedly found a plastic bag containing 1 gram of marijuana between the driver’s seat and console of the SUV.
As Officer Fewell questioned the driver, Griffith admitted to smoking marijuana earlier that day, police also reported.
Griffith was arrested and charged with DUI other, switched tag, and possession of paraphernalia.
Sgt. Tony Puckett and Officer Vance Hamilton also assisted in the traffic stop investigation.
Reported by Dana Puckett