Monday, April 28, 2025–6:40 p.m.
-Floyd County Jail records-
Man arrested following vehicle chase
A South Rome man is facing multiple charges after allegedly fleeing from police over the weekend.
According to Floyd County Jail records:
42-year-old Matthew James Johnson failed to stop during a traffic stop on Dean Avenue and accelerated to 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit while driving recklessly and passing other vehicles on the shoulder of the road.
Suspected methamphetamine, a digital scale, and an open bottle of vodka were located in the vehicle.
Johnson also admitted to eating 3 grams of meth, destroying the evidence.
Johnson is charged with fleeing or attempting to elude, possession of meth, felony tampering with evidence, possession of drug-related objects, open container, DUI, reckless driving, speeding, driving with a suspended or revoked license, failure to maintain a lane, improper lane change, a stop sign violation, and passing on the shoulder of the road.
Man charged with burglary
A Lindale man has been charged with burglaries at a local workout facility.
According to the arrest warrants:
47-year old John Ira Hartson entered the manager’s office at Workout Anytime on Hicks Drive on April 19 and again on April 23.
The first time, he took $340.
The second time, he took $5
Hartson is charged with 2nd-degree burglary, two counts of theft by taking, and a probation violation.
Man charged with possession of crack cocaine
The execution of a search warrant at a residence on Heard Street resulted in the arrest of a Rome man on drug charges.
According to Floyd County Jail records:
45-year-old Cedric Brian Vaughn was found with crack cocaine, several glass smoking devices, and a .38 caliber handgun.
Vaughn is charged with possession of cocaine and possession of drug-related objects.
Woman charged with meth possession, tampering with evidence
A Rome woman was arrested during a traffic stop on Highway 411 at Chateau Drive on Sunday.
According to Floyd County Jail records:
A vehicle driven by 34-year-old Bethany Diane Griffith was stopped for no non-displayed license tag.
Following a K9 indication, methamphetamine was seized from the driver’s seat and the floorboard where Griffith had emptied the plastic bag in an attempt to discard the narcotic.
Griffith is charged with possession of meth, tampering with evidence, and driving without insurance.
