BEDFORD – On the evening of Thursday, August 29, law enforcement in Lawrence County arrested a Williams man on drug-related charges. The incident occurred around 8:00 p.m. near Oak Lane at the junction of State Road 37/US 50.
Deputy Andrew Tillett of the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Department initiated a traffic stop, pulling over 29-year-old Ryan Coats. During the stop, it was discovered that Coats had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
As part of the arrest procedure, Officer Michael Bell from the Bedford Police Department arrived with his canine partner, Caz. The canine performed an exterior search of Coats’ vehicle, indicating the presence of illegal substances.
A subsequent search of the vehicle by officers revealed a baggie containing what was identified as methamphetamine and fentanyl. As a result, Coats now faces additional charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of a narcotic drug.
