On March 30, 2026, during routine patrol in an area known for ongoing criminal activity, a Douglas police officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked near a local hotel. After making contact with the sole occupant, identified as Scott Rice, 50, of Nicholls, the officer detected the odor of an alcoholic beverage and observed multiple firearms inside the vehicle.
During the encounter, the officer conducted a search and located a substance suspected to be methamphetamine on Rice’s person. He was immediately taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed additional suspected methamphetamine, a glass smoking device commonly used for narcotics, open alcoholic containers, and multiple firearms.
A drug agent with the Douglas-Coffee County Drug Unit responded to the scene and took possession of the narcotics and firearms. The suspected methamphetamine field-tested positive and was submitted to the crime lab for further analysis.
Rice was transported to the Coffee County Jail, where he was charged with possession of methamphetamine and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime. He remains incarcerated.
