Interstate Interdiction Stop in West Tennessee Leads to Weapons, Drug Charges

MEMPHIS --- The West Tennessee Drug Task Force and the Tennessee Highway Patrol announced today the arrests of five individuals on drugs and weapons charges following an interdiction stop on Interstate-40 in Fayette County.

Just before midnight on July 3, Special Agent Tim Russell attempted to stop a Chevy Malibu headed east on I-40 near exit 24 for traffic violations. The vehicle did not stop, however, and continued heading east on the interstate, even after Special Agent Russell activated his vehicle’s emergency blue lights.  Trooper Garrett Montgomery was nearby and attempted to assist. Trooper Montgomery activated his vehicle’s emergency blue lights, as well. Another vehicle, a Chevy Impala, was approximately one car length in front of the Malibu and it failed to yield to the emergency vehicles. Both vehicles continued on I-40, leaving the interstate at exit 35 and headed south on State Route 59 before pulling into a service station.

Special Agent Russell gave verbal commands to the driver, Daryl Hampton, 36, of Jackson, Tenn., and passenger, Jeff Garner, 33, of Memphis, inside the Malibu to put their hands up and both complied. Special Agent Russell observed a .357 revolver in the center console. Hampton and Garner were detained and placed on the ground. While Hampton was being handcuffed he began saying that he “doesn't know anything” and he “was just told to drive this car” by one of the suspects in Impala.

Trooper Montgomery went to secure the three occupants of the Impala and gave verbal commands for them to put their hands up. The front seat passenger, later identified as Justin Andrews, 26, of Jackson, would not show Trooper Montgomery his right hand which was between the front seat and the passenger door.  When Andrews was removed from the vehicle, another special agent on the scene, Task Force Agent Johnie Carter, observed a Charter Arms .38 caliber revolver between the front passenger seat and passenger side door. The driver of the Impala, Jeremy Reid, 25, and back seat passenger, Richard Lyons, 28, both of Jackson, were removed from the vehicle and detained. Trooper Montgomery searched the Impala and recovered a Smith and Wesson .38 caliber revolver located in the back seat.  Agents also recovered two clear plastic bags containing a white powdery substance believed to be cocaine in plain view on the floor under the front passenger seat. The Smith and Wesson revolver was reported stolen in 2009 by the Memphis Police Department.

Both vehicles were seized and all five of the suspects were arrested on various drugs and weapons charges.

The Tennessee Highway Patrol is a partner with the West Tennessee Drug Task Force and has assigned troopers to the West Tennessee Drug Task Force Interstate Interdiction Unit.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public.  The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.  

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