Andrew T. Deberry, 30, of Columbus was charged with a first-degree felony count of possession of drugs and also faces several other charges following an injury crash early Sunday morning on State Route 117.
Deputies of the Logan County Sheriff’s Office first observed his 2012 Dodge Charger about 3:10 a.m. weaving in the roadway in the area of Lima Street in Huntsville and State Route 235, and his speed was registered at 77 mph.
While deputies tried to catch up with Deberry, his speed reached 93 mph, and then he reportedly turned into a driveway in the area of County Road 96.
Deputies continued to monitor the area and then observed the driver pull back onto S.R. 117 and continue northbound at a high rate of speed. His speed consistently registered at 86 mph, deputies said.
Deputies attempted to initiate a stop with Deberry, but he tried to turn into a driveway at 11779 S.R. 117, but lost control of his car, striking a tree.
When deputies arrived on scene, the defendant reportedly began walking toward the patrol car with his hands raised. He was handcuffed and then placed in the rear of the patrol vehicle.
Deputies conducted a search of his car and located an open container of alcohol and an empty cup that smelled of alcohol.
A strong odor of alcohol also emanated from the defendant, deputies noted. However, he stated, “I’m not drunk,” and refused to answer any questions.
Deputies continued the search of the vehicle and then located in the center console a large bag containing a brown powdery substance that had been punctured. One of the deputies reportedly became light-headed while dealing with this substance. The deputy administered a dose of Narcan to himself and was later examined and cleared by Huntsville Fire and EMS personnel on the scene.
Deputies said the powdery substance field-tested positive for opiates and fentanyl.
When questioned about the powdery substance, Deberry told deputies that it was a “protein shake.” He was transported by BMRT squad to Mary Rutan Hospital for evaluation. He refused further OVI testing at the hospital as well.
Deberry was medically-cleared at the hospital and was lodged in the Logan County Jail.
He also was charged with operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs and was cited for speed, driving under a non-compliance suspension and failure to control.
Damage was heavy to the Dodge Charger, which was towed from the scene.
