On Thursday June 12, 2025, at approximately 3:30 p.m., drug investigators conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle that was traveling on Lumber City Highway. The vehicle pulled into the 341 Quick Stop in Hazlehurst.
During the stop, the information confirmed that the registration of the vehicle was suspended. The driver, identified as Mako Lee Jones, became very nervous and defiant on the matter. Law enforcement asked Jones to step out of the vehicle and according to officers, Jones refused. Additional units responded to the scene.
Ultimately the driver stepped out of the vehicle but was still noncompliant. Law enforcement attempted to remove a pocketknife clipped on Jones’s pocket. Jones immediately grabbed the officer’s hand and a struggle ensued. Jones was placed into hand restraints for safety reasons.
After informing Jones they were aware of his parole status and a waiver of certain search conditions, they informed him a search was going to take place for any weapons or drugs. Jones cooperated momentarily. However, when searching a certain area of his cargo pockets, Jones became irate and tried blocking the officer’s view. Officers were able to continue and they located a large cocaine cookie in Jones’s pocket.
A search of the vehicle yielded a box of ammunition but no guns or illegal drugs.
Jones was arrested and charged with possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, driving with a suspended registration, and a seatbelt violation. Parole has an active warrant and Jones is being held at the Jeff Davis County Detention Center.