Speeding vehicle gets more attention than expected, two arrests

CARYVILLE, TN (WLAF)- Monday had barely begun, 12:28am, when a Caryville Police officer noticed a vehicle enter I-75 south from the 141 Exit. The blue Mazda then began traveling beyond the posted speed limit, according to the CPD report.

A couple of miles down the interstate at Mile Marker 139, CPD Officer Therman Pearson and and Sheriff’s Deputy Clinton Hutchinson conducted a traffic stop. The officers learned that Tommy Lee Fitzgerald, 44, was the driver, and Elisha Rose Phillips, 48, both of Huntsville, was his passenger.

From the start, Fitzgerald allegedly told police that his license was revoked, the vehicle was not insured, and the registration belonged to a former vehicle of his. Fitzgerald was asked to step out of the car, and he did, and when asked, he stated there was nothing illegal inside the vehicle, based on the police report. He also gave the officers consent to search the car.

Hutchinson had Phillips exit the vehicle before Fitzgerald stated that there was in fact marijuana in the car.

Located on Phillips was a syringe. Phillips allegedly said that Fitzgerald forced her to hide Meth as they were being pulled over, and she hid it on her person. She then handed over a clear plastic baggie containing a white crystal-like substance.

Pearson and Hutchinson allegedly located several clear plastic baggies and a large number of syringes as they further searched the vehicle.

Fitzgerald and Phillips were arrested with Fitzgerald facing simple possession of meth and drug paraphernalia along with improper use of a vehicle registration and driving on a revoked/suspended/cancelled license due to one prior DUI conviction. Charges against Phillips are simple possession of meth and drug paraphernalia. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-09/04/2026-6AM)