Douglas-Coffee County drug agents have obtained arrest warrants on a suspected cocaine dealer who attempted to swallow his drugs and was rushed to a local hospital earlier this week.
Around 4 p.m. Wednesday, May 23, agents with the Douglas-Coffee Drug Unit were conducting a surveillance operation near the S & P Food Mart on South Gaskin Avenue in Douglas. Agents observed several individuals approach a vehicle occupied by 43-year-old Santiago Antonio Tyson in attempts to make suspected drug purchases.
Officers descended on the vehicle and Tyson attempted to flee, nearly striking an agent. Officers were able to control the scene and retrieve Tyson from the vehicle, at which time they determined the offender had swallowed an unknown amount of suspected cocaine. Tyson was transported from the scene to Coffee Regional Medical Center’s intensive care unit. He left the hospital sometime Thursday before officers were able to secure arrest warrants. During a subsequent search of Tyson’s vehicle, officers also discovered hydrocodone tablets.
Tyson is described as a black male, approximately 5’10, 220 lbs., with black hair and brown eyes. He is also known by the aliases “Tony Tyson” and “James Deshazor.”
Tyson faces charges of possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of hydrocodone with intent to distribute, and tampering with evidence. Anyone with information on Tyson’s whereabouts is asked to contact the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office at (912) 384-4227 or the Coffee County E911 non-emergency line at (912) 384-7675.