Officer discovers alleged illegal drugs during traffic stop, driver jailed then released

On Tuesday, August 8, around 3:33 am, an officer was riding down Peterson Avenue when he saw a vehicle make a wrong turn. After turning, an incident report from the Douglas Police Department states that 44-year-old George Robertson failed to maintain lane and was pulled over in the Aaron’s Furniture parking lot. 

According to the report, the officer noticed that Robertson was very fidgety and moving around quite a bit during their interaction. The officer eventually asked Robertson to step out of the vehicle and was asked if he had any alcohol or if there was anything illegal in the car. The report states that Robertson said he had not had anything to drink; however, he had taken some oxycodone prior to driving. 

As stated in the report, Robertson told the officer he had bone cancer and had to take multiple prescription medications. The officers on scene told Robertson that these medications would make him drowsy and that he should not be driving. It is noted that Robertson then told the officers he had no knowledge of the possible side effects and that these medications didn’t make him drowsy. The report also states that Robertson told officers no one had made him aware that he couldn’t drive when taking them. 

Robertson told the officer that he had an old prescription bottle in the driver’s side door. The officer reported that upon picking up the bottle and reading the label, it stated that the prescription was oxycodone and the medication could cause drowsiness. 

Another officer arrived to conduct a field sobriety test, which according to the report, concluded that Robertson was under the influence. The report also states that Robertson refused consent for the officer to search the vehicle or conduct a blood draw. A clear plastic bag containing what was suspected to be methamphetamine was later found in the immediate area of Robertson’s vehicle.

George Robertson was arrested and taken to the Coffee County Jail. He was charged with improper left or right turn, possession of prescription drug not in original container, DUI, failure to maintain lane, unlawful to purchase, possess, or have control of any controlled substance, and must have headlight and taillight on while operating vehicle. He has since been released.