A routine traffic stop on Interstate 40 Eastbound took a major turn on July 6, 2026, leading to a substantial drug seizure, the rescue of a child, and the arrest of four individuals tied to a multi-month narcotics investigation.

Deputy Bryan initiated the stop on a white Chevrolet Traverse after observing two traffic violations. Upon approaching the vehicle, deputies found four adults and an unsecured 5-year-old child inside, prompting officials to ask all occupants to step out of the vehicle due to safety and seating concerns.

During the initial encounter, deputies quickly recognized two of the passengers as key suspects in an active three-month narcotics probe conducted jointly by the Overton County Sheriff’s Office and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI).

A search of the individuals revealed:

• A broken glass pipe in one passenger’s pocket.

• Additional drug paraphernalia on two other occupants.

K9 Deputy Reed deployed K9 Tuco, who performed a free-air sniff and positively alerted officers to the smell of illegal narcotics inside the Traverse.

Seizure of Illegal Narcotics

A thorough search of the vehicle yielded significant quantities of illicit substances, including:

• Methamphetamine: Approx. 40.8 grams

• Fentanyl: Approx. 8.4 grams

• Unknown Substance: Approx. 3.5 grams of an unidentified powder

The 5-year-old child was safely placed into the care of a family member who responded to the scene.

“Drug trafficking doesn’t stop at county lines, and neither does our commitment to stopping it,” said Sheriff Farris. “By closely working with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and Overton County Sheriff’s Office, we were able to remove a significant amount of illegal narcotics off our streets.”

Suspects and Charges

All four adult occupants were taken into custody and face upcoming court appearances on August 10, 2026:

• Kirsten Murdock (Driver): Charged with Manufacture/Delivery/Sale of Fentanyl, Manufacture/Delivery/Sale of Methamphetamine, Child Abuse, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond is set at $153,000.

• Tazha Sidwell: Upon intake at the Putnam County Jail, officers discovered she was concealing fentanyl in a body cavity. Charged with Manufacture/Delivery/Sale of Fentanyl, Tampering with Evidence, Introduction of Contraband into a Jail Facility, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond is set at $127,300.

• Christopher Walker: Charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia and two outstanding Violation of Probation warrants. Bond is set at $2,300 alongside a hold without bond for probation violations.

• Corey Howard: Charged with Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Bond is set at $2,300.