Eyewitness Calls Put Suspect in Jail on Drug Charges

A traffic stop that started when other drivers called 911 to report an erratic driver resulted in a Cumming man being arrested on multiple drug charges, but not before being taken to the hospital.

Several eyewitnesses called 911 on Sept. 13 to report the car moving erratically southbound on GA 400, just north of Windward Parkway. Before the Alpharetta police officer arrived, witnesses updated dispatchers to let them know the driver had pulled off Windward Parkway and onto Deerfield Parkway.

The officer found the driver in the shopping center between the Walgreens and the Marriott. The suspect told him he was coming from Forsyth County and heading to his son's birthday party. The man's speech was slurred and his eyes weren't responding to direct light, so the officer called for an ambulance.

A Milton officer who also is a diabetic noticed the same type bag that houses his own insulin and hypodermic needles for treatment inside the suspect's vehicle. Officers also found a substantial amount of what appeared to be crystal meth, baggies, a small digital scale, multi-colored glass pipe, syringes and a vial of insulin. In addition to being wanted out of Dawson County for a probation violation, the officer noted the suspect was listed as a habitual violator.

When Rural Metro Ambulance arrived on scene, the suspect's blood pressure was found to be extremely high and his blood sugar extremely low, so he was taken to North Fulton Hospital.

James Darin Sanford, 41, of Cumming, was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamines, possession with intent to distribute, possession of drug-related objects, habitual traffic violator and Dawson County probation violation. He turned himself after hospital treatment and was placed in Fulton County Jail in lieu of $40,000 bond.

For questions about this blotter, email Bob Pepalis.