Tybee Island PD details traffic stops made during Orange Crush weekend

Video: Following Orange Crush weekend, Tybee Island Police releases crime numbers

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV) – Tybee Island saw 54 arrests and 111 traffic citations over Orange Crush weekend. The annual beach bash brought thousands to the 3-square-mile island.

Each week, the Tybee Island Police Department (TIPD) releases a report detailing the activity their officers encounter. This edition included multiple traffic stops over the weekend.

On Friday, a Tybee officer responded to the Post Office area to assist the Georgia State Patrol (GSP) who had stopped a vehicle for an expired tag. Officials say GSP found several bags of marijuana, possible edibles, cannabis gummies, a candy bar believed to contain hallucinogenic mushrooms and over $5,000 in cash. All three of the vehicle’s occupants were arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Schedule I Drug.

Also on Friday, when GSP conducted a traffic stop on Highway 80 near Salt Pines, the driver reportedly jumped from the vehicle and ran from the scene leaving his passenger behind. With help from GSP’s Aviation Unit and several agencies, law enforcement searched the north end of the island for the driver. They found the suspect’s shirt near the crawlspace under a home on Officer’s Row. To get the suspect out and surrender, officers deployed a Pepperball into the space. However, the suspect did not emerge and was never found.

Finally, on Friday, TIPD officers pulled over a driver they said was speeding and failing to maintain its lane. Officers said the driver had glassy eyes, delayed reactions and slurred speech. He eventually admitted that he had taken “Ecstacy” and was placed under arrest and charged with Speeding, Failure to Maintain Lane and DUI (Drugs), TIPD said.

On Saturday, a TIPD officer stopped a vehicle traveling in the center lanes reserved for emergency vehicle use. Officers decided to use a K9 to sniff the vehicle, which resulted in a positive alert from the dog. According to TIPD, officers found marijuana, a white powdery substance that field tested positive for cocaine, 5-gallon jugs of mixed alcoholic beverages, approximately 200 small plastic bags commonly used for the distribution of illegal substances, a scale and 20 “rice crispy” style treats believed to contain THC. The driver was arrested and charged with Failure to Obey a Traffic Control Device, Obstruction and two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute. The passenger was arrested and charged with two counts of Possession of Intent to Distribute.

Meanwhile, a bystander began to yell at the officers and arrestees. Officers told the bystander he could observe the traffic stop but could not interfere. TIPD said the man continued to obstruct the officers through his disorderly behavior and they arrested him. He was charged with Disorderly Conduct and Obstruction.

TIPD also reported instances of women stealing bicycles and a man urinating in someone’s yard, among other activities. To read the full report, visit here.