A 42-year-old Sparta man was arrested on July 28, 2026, following a traffic stop on Highway 70 West near the Cumberland and White County line.

According to Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office incident reports, Deputy Devyne Templeton recognized the driver, identified as Garry Heath Selby, while working a Tennessee Highway Safety Office saturation patrol. Knowing that Selby’s driver’s license was revoked from prior law enforcement encounters, deputies initiated a traffic stop.

As the stop progressed, deputies observed Selby becoming profusely sweaty, lethargic, and increasingly unresponsive—behaviors consistent with the recent ingestion of an opioid such as fentanyl or heroin. A K9 unit was deployed to the scene and alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle.

During a subsequent search of the vehicle, deputies and K9 personnel recovered:

• 2.17 grams of a white crystal-like substance believed to be methamphetamine

• 0.72 grams of a purple powdery substance believed to be fentanyl

• Additional fentanyl residue on aluminum foil

• A digital scale, drug packaging materials, and a used hypodermic needle

A passenger in the vehicle, identified as 66-year-old Rhonda Adams of Crossville, was initially restrained during the search, though Selby later claimed ownership of all items found inside the vehicle.

Selby was taken into custody and transported to the Cumberland County Intake facility. He faces multiple charges, including:

• Manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of methamphetamine

• Manufacture, delivery, or sale of a controlled substance

• Unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia

• Driving on a revoked or suspended license

The seized substances have been submitted to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) crime laboratory for further analysis. Selby is scheduled to appear in court on September 14, 2026.