By DON FLETCHER
News Staff Writer
An Atmore man was arrested last week on a warrant that evolved from a traffic stop that occurred almost a month prior to his being taken into custody.
Atmore Police Department Sgt. Darrell McMann reported that 31-year-old T.J. Matthew Jarrell was pulled over February 28 by a patrol officer as he drove along U.S. 31 around 12:20 a.m. in a vehicle that had illegal lighting and an expired tag.
The officer reported that Jarrell and an unidentified passenger “appeared extremely nervous” and told conflicting stories.
Officers were given consent to search but found nothing in the vehicle, so the two were released.
After they drove away, police noticed on the ground where Jarrell had been standing a large clear plastic baggie and a small clear plastic baggie, both of which contained a clear, crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.
According to police reports, neither baggie — each of which contained more than 19 grams of meth had dew or any debris from the parking lot on it. The baggies were collected as evidence, and a warrant was issued for Jarrell.
He was arrested March 24 and charged with one count of distribution of a controlled substance.
The Atmore man, who was also charged with probation violation, remained in the county jail late Monday, March 28, under a $10,000 bond.