A Cedartown man remained in jail after being arrested early Sunday morning when an Aragon Police officer returning to duty from dropping off suspects at the jail pulled over a man who nearly went into the ditch and was later found to be in possession of drugs, according to reports.

Polk County Police took control of the traffic stop of Justin Steve Hayes, 42, of a Cedartown address after he first swerved in front of the Aragon Police officer leaving the jail turning onto Highway 278 around 3:30 a.m. on Sunday morning, May 21. While the Aragon Police officer was still following, Hayes’ truck went into the ditch and the APD was forced to stop the vehicle for safety concerns and call for backup.

Hayes told Polk County Police who took over the stop prior to being run through a field sobriety test that he was “leaving work in Rockmart” but didn’t seem to know he was driving eastbound on Highway 278, or how he’d come to be pulled over near the intersection of Wimberly Hill Road.

Reports stated that Hayes was unable to pass field sobriety tests and was taken into custody without further incident.

While being searched, Hayes was found to have a “large bag of Kratom” in his pocket. A search of his truck also yielded methamphetamine and marijuana, and found a handgun in the center console.

Police were going to take Hayes to jail, but he began to complain of chest pains and was taken to Polk Medical Center for further treatment. He was not immediately cleared for being taken to jail so warrants were taken out for his arrest after his medical issues were determined and treated.

Then police learned he was being discharged, so another officer went and took Hayes into custody on felony and misdemeanor charges.

Hayes was booked and remains in the Polk County Jail on charges of failure to maintain lane, DUI – less safe – drugs, possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent, possession of marijuana and possession of firearm or knife during the commission of or attempt to commit certain felonies.

No bond had been set as of this posting.