Local News

Story published: 12-26-2012 • Print Article • E-mail Story to a Friend

Man arrested after nearly hitting sheriff at intersection

By Kristen Swing
Executive Editor

A man was behind bars on several drug charges after he nearly struck a vehicle being driven by the Washington County sheriff at an intersection in Jonesborough last week.

On Dec. 19, Sheriff Ed Graybeal was on Highway 11E at the intersection of Boones Creek Road when Charles J. Clark, 23, of Jonesborough, nearly hit him.

Graybeal immediately turned and stopped Clark in the parking lot of Arbys restaurant.

According to authorities, Clark was acting “extremely nervous” and appeared to be hiding something under his seat when Graybeal approached. A records check revealed Clark was driving on a suspended license.

A police K9 then sniffed around the outside of Clark’s vehicle and alerted officers to the possibility of drugs being inside the man’s truck.

Upon searching the inside of the vehicle, officers found hypodermic needles and two baggies containing powder methamphetamine.

Two devices used to inhale powder meth were also found on Clark, who was charged with driving on a suspended license, possession of drug paraphernalia and simple possession of schedule II narcotics.

Clark was transported to the Washington County Detention Center where he later was released on a $3,000 bond.