An admitted impaired driver allegedly fought with deputies at a checkpoint in Western Columbus July 21.
The sheriff’s office said Robert Harold Tyler, 57, was charged with driving while impaired, possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, maintaining a vehicle for drug activities, littering hazardous waste, destroying evidence, paraphernalia, littering, resisting an officer, driving while license revoked, no registration, and no insurance. His address was listed on court documents as 917 Swamp Fox Hwy., Fair Bluff.
Deputies with the Heavy Enforcement Action Team (HEAT) were operating a traffic checkpoint at Rough and Ready and Hinsons Crossroads when Tyler approached the intersection, according to a press release. The deputies saw Tyler stop in the roadway a short distance from the checkpoint before driving up forward.
Deputies smelled alcohol, and Tyler admitted he had been drinking and did not have his identification on his person. They also noticed “a white residue around Tyler’s nostril,” the report said. Deputies then located a hat containing near the spot where Tyler had stopped. The hat contained a cut straw and a spoon, along with a bag of white powder that field tested positive for cocaine. Residue was also found on the spoon.
When deputies tried to place Tlyer in custody, he allegedly became irate and began “physically resisting,” the CCSO said in a press release. He was eventually arrested and his vehicle towed after it was determined it had a false license plate.
Tyler is being held under $75,000 secured bond.
