From staff reports
BIRMINGHAM — A series of drug investigations this month have led to the arrest of five people throughout the metro area.
On Thursday, Aug. 6, narcotics deputies executed a search warrant in the 100 block of Haversham Drive Center Point. The subject of this search warrant, Montinez Woods, 26, was taken into custody on two outstanding warrants for Unlawful Distribution of a Controlled Substance, previously obtained by Sheriff’s narcotics investigators. During a search of this residence deputies recovered a pistol, six grams of heroin and 2 sets of digital scales.
Saturday, Aug. 1, deputies with the narcotics unit established surveillance on an address in the 3300 block of Jefferson Avenue SW regarding a complaint of drug activity in that area. During this surveillance, deputies observed a vehicle arrive at that location and depart minutes later. The vehicle was stopped on Wilson Road near Wenonah High School, and as a result of this traffic stop, three suspects were taken into custody. Marijuana, cocaine and US currency were recovered from the vehicle. Terrell Barron, 34, Marcus Hines, 25, and Roderick Johnson, 27, all of Birmingham were charged with one count of Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of Marijuana.
On Wednesday, Aug. 5, deputies with the narcotics unit, established surveillance in the area of I20/59 and Lloyd Noland Parkway regarding an ongoing narcotics investigation. During this surveillance, investigators observed the suspect of the investigation meet with another subject and an alleged drug transaction take place. Investigators called for a marked unit, who was standing by, to assist as they approached to detain the subject and investigate further. The suspect began to pull away from the parking lot, and after the marked unit activated his emergency lights, in an effort to have the vehicle stop, the vehicle continued at a high rate of speed. A chase ensued until the driver lost control and wrecked. There were no injuries as a result of this traffic accident. Both occupants fled the vehicle. The passenger, 25-year-old Justin Harris and his 1-year-old son were detained a short distance from the wrecked vehicle. The alleged driver, 25-year-old Darius Chatman, remained at large and a tracking dog responded to track him. Chatman was tracked to a residence in the 2500 block of Avenue G Ensley. After a short time, Chatman surrendered, was taken into custody and transported to the County Jail. He is charged with Unlawful Possession of Marijuana 1st degree and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Harris and his small child were released at the scene with no charges.
Approximately two ounces of marijuana, digital scales, two pistols, and currency were recovered from Chatman’s wrecked vehicle. A further search of a recovered backpack resulted in the discovery of approximately 20 grams of heroin worth $2000 and 11 grams of cocaine worth $900. Chatman had already bonded out on the above listed charges and at large warrants for trafficking heroin and Unlawful Possession of a Controlled Substance were issued. Chatman was taken into custody on these warrants by narcotics investigators on Friday Aug. 7.
Narcotics deputies responded to assist with a suspected meth lab in the 100 block of Headley Lane near Oak Grove on Aug. 3. Upon arrival a small one-pot method was discovered including two vessels. The lab was dismantled, made safe and transported away to be properly disposed. No suspects were present.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty.