Eric Christian Byars Sr, 38 of Rome, was arrested this week when reports said he led police on a chase after selling heroin to an undercover informant.
Police said that the drug deal was done back on May 28 at the Martha Berry Food Mart on Martha Berry Blvd. (Editors note: The Martha Berry Food Mart suffered major fire damage days later (June 3). )
Officers stated that they located Byars this week on Sunset Drive and attempted a traffic stop. However, reports added Byars ignored officers and attempted to speed away.
After finally coming to a stop at the intersection of Dodd Blvd and Sunset Drive he allegedly exited the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.
A k9 officer was called on scene to help with the search. During the search K9 officer Baro recovered three plastic baggies on the ground where Byars had been running. Close to 21 grams of marijuana was recovered in smaller bags that had been placed in the larger bags. Officers added that they also recovered 16 grams of suspected crack cocaine that was placed in small bags.
A witness also told police that they observed Byars taking items from a small black box prior to exiting the car. A small black digital scale was found in the box.
Byars is charged with manufacturing or distributing a controlled substance, attempting to elude police, driving on an expired license, driving without insurance, possession of a schedule I controlled substance, possession of a schedule I controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of cocaine, possession of cocaine with intent to distribute, felony tampering with evidence, abandonment of dangerous drugs, possession of marijuana and possession or distribution of marijuana.
