By Patti Dozier
THOMASVILLE — Two suspects charged with a number of offenses were more interested in getting rid of the contraband in their possession than in getting away, according to a local lawman.
Coolidge residents Terry Bryant and Boddrick Johnson led Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division agents on a slow-speed chase in rain Thursday morning.
“The vehicle never got over 35 miles per hour,” said Kevin Lee, narcotics/vice commander.
Agents intercepted what was to have been the delivery of a quarter-pound of marijuana to a U.S. 19 South business, Lee explained.
The green Dodge Neon officers were looking for arrived at the business about 11 a.m. The Dodge fled onto Big Star Drive, then Ga. 122, U.S. 19, U.S. 319 and onto Hall Road.
Agents traveling in two vehicles behind the slow-moving Dodge saw what appeared to be tearing motions under way in the vehicle. Marijuana, by the handful, was tossed onto the sides of Hall Road, Lee said.
Officers traveling in the second vehicle retrieved the contraband thrown along the road.
“As the fleeing vehicle approached the north bypass, it traveled into a ditch,” the commander said.
Officers picked up more than a quarter of a pound of marijuana from the side of the road.
Bryant, driver of the car, was out of jail on bond on a charge of marijuana possession with intent to distribute.
The 20-year-old suspect, of 5021 U.S. 319 North, Coolidge, is charged in the Thursday case with marijuana possession with intent to distribute, two counts of marijuana possession within 1,000 feet of a school, fleeing/attempting to elude, reckless driving and obstruction by destroying evidence.
Johnson, 23, of 4070 N. Marshall St., Coolidge, is charged with marijuana possession with intent to distribute and two counts of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school.
The incident took place within 1,000 feet of Garrison-Pilcher and Cross Creek elementary schools.
Bryant and Johnson are in the Thomas County Jail awaiting arraignment.
