THOMASVILLE — A suspect on the lam in a drug case unknowingly invited narcotics agents into his home Sunday afternoon.

Boston police had been seeking the suspect, Donnie McCray, 34, 109 Acorn Lane, since a mid-July traffic stop.

On July 16, Boston police stopped a Ford 500 for having no brake lights.

The driver, James Chastain, 29 128 Covington Place, had a warrant for probation violation. 

“He had marijuana on him and was charged with misdemeanor marijuana possession,” said Louis Schofill, Thomas County/Thomasville Narcotics/Vice Division commander.

Two passengers were released.

A further search of the car began for impound purposes. A loaded firearm and a bag containing a large amount of narcotics were found on the back seat.

“Inside the black bag was a pill press to make illicit pills,” said Sgt. Keith Drawdy, narcotics/vice assistant commander.

The loaded Smith & Wesson .40-caliber handgun found in the vehicle was stolen in Grady County.

Also in the bag were ingredients to make the pills and finished pills made with the pill press, Drawdy said.

Drawdy began an investigation into the ownership of the bag’s contents. Through testimony and video surveillance, the assistant commander determined the bag belonged to McCray.

Through more video surveillance, Drawdy learned McCray, one of the passengers released when the car was stopped in Boston in July, had another stolen firearm and more narcotics.

Drawdy took out warrants on McCray for trafficking in a Schedule I substance, manufacturing a Schedule I substance, cocaine possession with intent to distribute, methamphetamine possession with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule I substance (spice) with intent to distribute, possession of a Schedule IV substance (Alprazalam) with intent to distribute, theft by receiving stolen property, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony.

At 1:30 last Sunday afternoon, narcotics agents and Thomas County Sheriff’s Office deputies went to McCray’s Acorn Lane residence.

“Agents knocked on the door, and McCray said, ‘Come on in,’ ” Schofill said.

Officers found McCray sitting on a sofa and took him into custody.

Officers found a stolen, loaded Ruger pistol, ecstasy, methamphetamine, cocaine and Tylenol codeine.

In addition to other charges specified in warrants, McCray is charged with three more felony firearm counts.

Bond was denied. The suspect is being held in the Thomas County Jail.

 

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