Tennessee State Trooper Arrests Pulaski Man on Methamphetamine Charges

NASHVILLE –- A Tennessee State Trooper arrested a man on methamphetamine and other drug related charges in Giles County on Thursday. The suspect had a criminal history that included 38 felony convictions, including several for manufacturing of meth.

Bruce Watts, 36, of Pulaski was taken into custody and charged with possession of methamphetamine for resale, possession of drug paraphernalia and introduction of contraband into a penal facility. He was booked into the Giles County Jail.

Trooper Jeremy Miller of the Tennessee Highway Patrol’s Interdiction Plus West Bureau stopped a 1996 GMC Sierra for a traffic violation on U.S. 64 eastbound at approximately 11:41 a.m. on Thursday. The vehicle was occupied by a male driver and two female passengers, who all exhibited nervous behavior while interacting with the trooper.

After additional suspicious indicators, Trooper Miller requested assistance from the Pulaski Police Department. The vehicle occupants were asked to exit the vehicle once back-up arrived. The female suspects consented to a search of their purses, where needles and a bag with coffee filters were discovered. The investigators then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle and located numerous needles and coffee filters that tested positive for methamphetamine. 

Watts claimed ownership of the needles and filters in the truck. He was then placed into custody and transported to the jail. The passengers were cited for possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Trooper Miller also found that Watts had approximately one gram of methamphetamine on his person at the jail. Watts also attempted to stash a half a gram of methamphetamine and lithium batteries under the seat of Miller’s patrol unit. 

Watts’ bond was set at $61,000.

Booking photos may be obtained from the Giles County Sheriff’s Office.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure that our state is a safe, secure place in which to live, work and travel; enforce the law with integrity; and provide customer-focused services professionally and efficiently.