Men Flee Cops, Found in Woods With Drugs

By Jessie Williams

Two men that fled from authorities in Macon County last week, were found a short time later hiding in the woods – along with a bag containing methamphetamine, fentanyl and marijuana.

According to the affidavit of complaints filed by Deputy J. Lopata of the Macon County Sheriff’s Department, 32-year-old Joseph Harris was pulled over on January 5, 2025 after the deputy observed a gold Saturn traveling on Highway 52 with a non-functioning license plate light.

When asked for his driver’s license, Harris stated he did not have it with him and he began showing nervous behaviors when asked to step out of the vehicle.

Upon hearing the deputy request other officers to the scene, Harris drove away at a high rate of speed and a pursuit ensued.

The Saturn eventually left the roadway, coming to a stop. At that time, Harris and his passenger, later identified as 30-year-old Anthony Dewayne Buck, exited the vehicle and began fleeing on foot.

Harris was found roughly 300 years from the vehicle hiding in a wooded area and Buck was discovered around 150 yards from the vehicle laying down in a field.

A small, camouflage bag was found within reaching distance of Mr. Buck and inside officers located three clear baggies.

One of the baggies contained approximately 83 grams of a crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine, another contained approximately 10 grams of a purple-like substance believed to be fentanyl and the third baggie contained approximately 2.5 grams of a green, leafy substance believed to be marijuana.

A hypodermic needle and a digital scale with white residue on them were also found in the camouflage bag.

Dispatch determined Mr. Harris had a revoked license, an active warrant out for his arrest in Sumner County and the registration sticker on the Saturn did not match the license plate number on file.

Harris and Buck were both placed under arrest and transported to the Macon County Jail.

Harris was charged with evading arrest, driving on a revoked license, altering a temporary tag, speeding, improper display, reckless driving, manufacture/delivery/possession of methamphetamine and two counts of manufacturing of narcotics. His bond was set at $103,250.

Buck was charged with evading arrest, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of methamphetamine, possession of a schedule II drug (fentanyl) and possession of a schedule VI drug (marijuana). His bond was set at $75,000.

They are both scheduled to appear in general sessions court on February 1, 2025.