Report: Clinton police seize SUV, arrest four after meth residue found

Clinton police seized a Chevrolet Tahoe and arrested four people Thursday morning after authorities and a police dog allegedly found a coffee filter with drug residue that tested positive for methamphetamine.

Inside the Tahoe, authorities also allegedly found several syringes, lithium batteries, and razor blades, a Clinton Police Department report said. Clinton Police Officer Bradley Kidwell said the search also found a CVS Pharmacy bag that contained new makeup items but no receipt.

Kidwell said the suspects admitted they had used methamphetamine in the previous 72 hours, operated a meth lab, and had the components used to make the illegal drug.

The report said all four suspects were charged with promotion of methamphetamine manufacture, simple possession, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Those arrested were Ricky Ward Ayers, 27, of LaFollette; Joseph Dewayne Harmon, 27, of Pioneer; Charles Anthony Chamber, 22, of LaFollette; and Jill Marie Taylor, 30, of Clearfield.

Kidwell had initially responded to a call of a possible shoplifter at CVS Pharmacy on North Charles G. Seivers Boulevard in Clinton. He said he saw Ayers attempting to hide store items in his jacket, and a store manager said Harmon had concealed items in his pants.

The report said Ayers pulled several hidden items from his pants pockets and shoes. It said the makeup items had been concealed by Harmon.

Ayers and Harmon, who also had a Campbell County warrant, were charged with property theft in addition to the other drug-related charges, the report said.

The report said Taylor gave authorities permission to search her 2010 Tahoe, valued at $25,000, and Anderson County Deputy Rick Coley and his police dog assisted in the search.