Accused drug dealer nabbed after attempting to flee from officers

A 20-year-old Douglas man was arrested and charged last week on multiple counts of drug distribution and possession after he attempted to flee from officers who were executing a search warrant.

Officials with the Douglas – Coffee Drug Unit (DCDU) stated they served a search warrant last Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 6289 Hwy. 221 N. between Douglas and West Green. As detectives arrived on scene, the target of the investigation, identified as Skylar Ray Merson, fled the property on foot into a nearby wooded area, but was was apprehended after a brief foot chase.

Detectives discovered 25 grams of ‘Molly’ (MDMA), M. Amphet Salts capsules (Sch. II controlled substance), Vyvance capsules (Sch. II controlled substance), and marijuana. Merson was arrested at the scene and charged with possession of MDMA with intent to distribute, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and obstruction of law enforcement officers.

DCDU officials also reported the following recent arrests:

Sept. 18 – Officers stopped a vehicle at the Western Inn motel in Douglas and located a quantity of powder cocaine. Dustin McLeod Hatcher (31) of Mitchell County was arrested for possession of cocaine. The driver of the vehicle, Tra D. Melvin (22) of Douglas, was arrested for driving with a suspended driver’s license and driving without headlights.

Sept. 10 – DCDU served a search warrant at 241 Blakely Drive in Douglas. Detectives discovered a quantity of Molly (MDMA), a small quantity of marijuana, and a 9mm handgun. Khavoizea Campbell (20) of Douglas was arrested on an outstanding probation violation warrant for unrelated drug and theft convictions, and was additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

Aug. 27 – DCDU served a search warrant at 315 Brittany Lane in Douglas. Detectives seized 22 grams of methamphetamine, Xanax tablets, and over $3,500 cash. Kenneth Woodrow Mancil (50) of Douglas was arrested for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a scheduled controlled substance (Xanax). At the time the search warrant was executed, Mancil was out of jail on bond for a 2014 arrest when DCDU detectives served a previous search warrant at his home that ended with Mancil’s arrest for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute and possession of a controlled substance (Adipex).

Aug. 25 – DCDU K9 officers stopped a vehicle on GA Hwy. 32 W near Golden Pond Road for a traffic violation. Upon officers approaching the vehicle, they immediately noticed an occupant in the vehicle to have a small quantity of marijuana in his lap. A further search of the vehicle revealed six ounces of marijuana and a .40 caliber Glock handgun. Kawaski Bashiri Brand (27) of Douglas was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. Christie Paulk (26) of Douglas was arrested for misdemeanor possession of marijuana, and the driver, Kourtney Graves (30) of Nicholls, was arrested for driving with a suspended driver’s license.