On April 2nd, a significant operation was initiated by the Lauderdale County Drug Task Force, focusing on an individual identified as Tracy Devaughn Pride while he was at his workplace. Agents had received credible information indicating that Pride was planning to engage in a drug transaction during his shift. Observations revealed Pride walking towards a vehicle, where he appeared to be handing over drugs to another person. This prompted the agents to follow the vehicle, which was subsequently pulled over by officers from the Florence Police Department.
During the traffic stop, law enforcement officials uncovered a substantial quantity of Methamphetamine, leading to the identification of the vehicle’s driver, Edward Shane Daughtery. Following this incident, the task force continued to monitor Pride’s activities. Upon leaving his job, officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on Pride, who chose to flee, resulting in a vehicle chase. The pursuit ended when Pride lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a residential property in Florence.
In the aftermath of the collision, officers located a backpack that had been observed prior to the chase. Inside, they discovered a significant stash of illegal substances, including approximately one pound of Cocaine and over 250 grams of Methamphetamine, along with digital scales typically used for weighing drugs. Due to injuries sustained in the accident, Pride was not immediately charged; however, a warrant was later issued for his arrest once he was discharged from the hospital.
On April 7th, law enforcement executed the warrant, charging both Pride and Daughtery with serious drug offenses. Tracy Devaughn Pride, 34, from Florence, faces charges of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Trafficking in Cocaine, and Unlawful Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Edward Shane Daughtery, 45, also from Florence, has been charged with Trafficking in Methamphetamine. It is important to note that all individuals involved are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.