Shavoriss Barnhill

THOMASVILLE — Non-compliance with Georgia’s seat belt law led to a traffic stop involving a chase and the discovery of drugs in the suspect’s vehicle.

City police pulled over a vehicle operated by Shavoriss Rennord Barnhill when an officer noticed the driver was not wearing a seat belt.

The car pulled into a driveway at Oak and Calhoun streets.

“The driver started walking away from the residence and into the street,” said Louis Schofill, Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division commander.

The officer pointed out the absence of a seat belt, and the suspect ran.

“He took off his jacket and threw it down as he was running away,” Schofill said.

Officers caught Barnhill and returned him to the scene.

“He would not walk back to the vehicle,” Schofill said. “He began to drag his feet as though he was delaying getting back to the vehicle. He refused to walk back to the vehicle.”

A search of the car produced two bags of a green, leafy substance the commander said was spice, or synthetic marijuana. Multiple pieces of crack cocaine were found in the vehicle. 

“It’s a Schedule I narcotic,” Schofill said, in reference to the fake weed.

Barnhill, 25, 623 Oak St., is charged with driving without a license, no seat belt, obstruction by fleeing, cocaine possession with intent to distribute and possession of a Schedule I narcotic with intent to distribute.

Senior reporter Patti Dozier can be reached at (229) 226-2400, ext. 1820