Cocaine and Cash Seized in Grand Junction
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Authorities said a routine disturbance call led to the seizure of more than $22,000 and 1.3 grams of cocaine. “An elderly black gentleman in the house got into an altercation with the two subjects in the car,” said Sheriff John Doolen of the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Department. An officer with the Grand Junction Police Department responded to the initial call where he smelled marijuana coming from a car occupied by two black men in the driveway. The officer said when he ordered the men out of the car, one took off, running into the woods. While apprehending the other man, the officer seized $2,000 from him and noticed a bag of cocaine which fell to the ground. Police then searched the car and found 1.3 pounds of cocaine. The man arrested, Courtney Montague Cheairs, 30, was charged with drug, weapons and bribery charges. Police said once the cocaine was found, Cheairs tried to bribe the officer to avoid arrest. Authorities said the man who fled has been identified as Traveon Davaca Lewis, 21. Police issued warrants for Lewis’ arrest and have charged him with evading arrest. Authorities impounded the rental car after finding the drugs. “A family member came up here twice within a couple of hours to get the car,” said Sheriff Doolen. He said the repeated interest in the car prompted a K-9 search and led to a warrant to search the car where authorities found $21,985 under the center console. “I think the people knew that money was in there….because it was a rental and since then the car has been returned to the rental company…. nobody has asked about it since the money was located,” said Sheriff Doolen. Patrick Mitchell, a local business owner, said he is pleased with the arrest. “There was a lot of bored people around this weekend because they were out of what they like to do,” said Mitchell. Courtney Montague Cheairs is free on a $100,000 bond. Sheriff Doolen said the two men could face federal charges. If you have seen Traveon Davaca Lewis, call the Hardeman County Sheriff’s Department at (731) 658-3971 or Crime Stoppers.
