Traffic Stop Leads to Drug and Firearm Charges in Haralson County

HARALSON COUNTY, Ga. — A routine traffic stop in Haralson County led to the arrest of a local man on multiple felony charges, according to authorities.

The incident occurred April 23, when Cpl. Alexander Zeno with the Haralson County Sheriff’s Office initiated a stop after observing a vehicle with a tag violation.

During the stop, deputies said the driver, identified as William Barry Strickland, displayed behavior that raised suspicion. After declining consent to search the vehicle, a K-9 unit was deployed.

Authorities said K-9 Rumi alerted to the presence of narcotics, providing probable cause for a search.

During the search, deputies reported finding a quantity of suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and a firearm. Investigators also determined that Strickland is a convicted felon, making it illegal for him to possess a firearm.

Strickland was arrested and charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime.

He was taken into custody without incident.