(Walhalla, SC)--------------------------------------A deputy from the Uniform Patrol Division, responding to a welfare check at a business location on West-Oak Highway yesterday, arrested a Central, SC man on a charge of Trafficking in Methamphetamine.
After being dispatched to the scene, the deputy observed a white male, identified as 41 year old Paul William Leroy of Jones Mill Road, being loaded into an ambulance as paramedics were already on scene. After verifying that Leroy had an outstanding Magistrate Bench Warrant, the deputy was notified by paramedic that Leroy had refused further treatment and transport.
After getting out of the ambulance, and upon further investigation, the deputy observed a pistol grip sticking out from Leroy’s waistband. After confirming that Leroy did not have a Concealed Weapons Permit, a search of Leroy’s person produced a bag that contained a quantity of Methamphetamine.
Leroy was placed under arrest and booked into the Oconee County Detention Center around 3:34pm Thursday. Besides the drug trafficking charge, Leroy has also been charged with Possession of a Weapon during Commission of a Violent Crime.
The narcotics and the weapon were secured and placed into evidence. According to an arrest warrant, the amount of drugs seized was approximately 39 grams. An arrest warrant also states that Leroy possessed a .40 caliber handgun. A warrant also states that Leroy has a prior conviction for drug offenses.
At this time, Leroy remains in custody at the Oconee County Detention Center on a combined $60,992.00 surety bond. Leroy will also be required to wear an electronic monitoring device as a condition of bond should he be released.