Detectives Seize 16 Pounds of Marijuana, Guns and Cash After Witnessing Parking Lot Drug Transaction

What started with Specialized Investigations Division TITANS detectives witnessing a drug transaction in a Hickory Hollow area fast food restaurant parking lot Thursday night led to the seizure of 16 pounds of marijuana, four pistols (one of which had been reported stolen), and $13,600 cash.

One of the vehicles involved in the drug transaction, a Chrysler 300, was stopped by detectives shortly after leaving the parking lot. The driver, Trenthony Simms, 24, handed officers his license, but sped away when he was asked to exit the car. Detectives went to his registered address at an apartment complex on Waterstone Way. As they arrived, they saw a Jeep Cherokee being driven by Simms speed out of the parking garage. A traffic stop was attempted without compliance. The Jeep's tires were ultimately spiked, causing it to become immobilized in the 2700 block of Murfreesboro Pike. Inside the Jeep was a duffel bag containing 5.5 pounds of marijuana. The execution of a search warrant at Simms' apartment led to the discovery of an additional 10.5 pounds of marijuana, the four guns, baggies, a vacuum sealer, and cash.

Simms is charged with two counts of felony evading, possession of marijuana for resale, gun possession for the commission of a dangerous felony, and unlawful use of drug paraphernalia. A judicial commissioner set his bond at $25,000.