Traffic stop near Flat leads to large drug and gun seizure

Deputies with the Coryell County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man after a traffic stop near South Highway 36 and Flat uncovered a substantial drug and weapon cache. The stop, conducted around 10:30 p.m. on January 12, 2025, began when a deputy observed a traffic violation on a 2015 Chevy Impala driven by David Anthony Haley.

During the traffic contact, deputies said they developed probable cause to search the vehicle. The search turned up 3.6 pounds of marijuana, 19.6 grams of tetrahydrocannabinol and a firearm. Haley was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Coryell County Jail.

Haley faces multiple charges stemming from the seizure: Possession Of Marijuana Over 4 Ounces Under 5 Pounds, a state jail felony; Possession Of Controlled Substance Over 4 Grams Under 400 Grams, a second degree felony; and Unlawful Carrying Weapon, a Class A misdemeanor. Those charges mark the case as a significant narcotics and weapons enforcement action for Coryell County law enforcement.

The sheriff’s office framed the arrest as part of an ongoing effort to curb drug trafficking and safeguard residents. “This reinforces Sheriff William’s promise to aggressively pursue those who possess and traffic illegal narcotics in Coryell County. Ensuring public safety and enforcing all laws related to drug possession,” the CCSO says. The office also urged community involvement. “We encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity related to criminal activity or drug possession to local law enforcement.”

For residents of Coryell County, the case underscores how routine traffic enforcement can intersect with broader public safety concerns. South Highway 36 is a familiar corridor for commuters and farmers alike; incidents there can affect travel, prompt increased patrols and sharpen attention on calls about possible trafficking. The seizure also highlights the dual risks posed when illegal drugs and firearms are found together, an emphasis reflected in the charges filed.

Looking ahead, the case will move through the county’s criminal justice system, where prosecutors will decide on formal proceedings. In the meantime, deputies appear likely to maintain visible enforcement along the routes where the stop occurred. For local readers, the arrest serves both as a reminder to remain alert to suspicious behavior and as an example of how local law enforcement is prioritizing drug and weapons enforcement in Coryell County.