Elizabeth Plaza, 31, of Nicholls, was arrested last month on illegal drug and weapons charges after she allegedly led officers on a chase through Douglas. During the chase, Plaza allegedly attempted to discard illegal drugs.
Around 1:30 p.m. on August 9, 2024, detectives from the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office got into a chase involving a 2021 Chevrolet Colorado that belonged to Enrique Lopez, 47, of Douglas, but driven by Plaza. According to a report from the sheriff’s office, detectives saw the Colorado, in which Lopez was a passenger, turn into Be Safe Climate Storage on Southwest Bowens Mill Road and go to the back. A short time later, a gray Dodge Charger pulled around to the back then left. Detectives attempted to stop Plaza but she fled, the report states.
A chase ensued and, during the chase, detectives saw Plaza throw out suspected illegal drugs. The chase ended in the city on West Ward Street and North Daughtry Avenue. Plaza was arrested and officers found suspected methamphetamine and marijuana in the vehicle. The report also says that Plaza had marijuana residue on her clothing from attempting to throw it out of the window. Detectives also found a .22-caliber handgun in the vehicle. They went to the spot where she had allegedly discarded the drugs and found more methamphetamine.
Detectives returned to the storage unit with a search warrant and found two pounds of marijuana, scales, and packaging material.
Plaza was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute; trafficking marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, or illegal drugs; fleeing or attempting to elude officers; and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. She was booked into the Coffee County Jail where she remains.
Lopez was arrested on August 14, 2024, and charged with trafficking cocaine, trafficking methamphetamine, possession/distribution/manufacture of marijuana, and other related charges. He also remains in the Coffee County Jail. Lopez had also been arrested in July on methamphetamine trafficking charges.