Two men charged with trafficking meth; $13,000 in meth recovered

The Jefferson County Sherriff’s Office on Tuesday arrested two men who were charged with trafficking methamphetamine following a short vehicle chase.

Around 3 p.m., a sheriff’s deputy tried to stop a Chevrolet Impala on Interstate 20 West near Interstate 459, according to a sheriff’s office press release. The driver refused to stop and continued onto I-459 South. A vehicle description was broadcast to other law enforcement agencies in the area, including Birmingham, Hoover and Vestavia Hills police departments.

The passenger in the suspect vehicle reportedly threw two plastic storage containers out of the car window just before the Liberty Park exit. A Hoover police officer was positioned at the exit, and the rear tire of the Impala was damaged as the driver attempted to get around the police vehicle, authorities said.

The damaged tire deflated, and the driver pulled off the interstate near the exit ramp for U.S. 280. The occupants, 25-year-old Billy Wayne Connell of Thorsby and 23-year-old John William Harder V of Millbrook, were taken into custody.

Deputies reportedly recovered eight ounces of methamphetamine in the containers that were thrown from the vehicle. That amount has a street value of $13,000, according to the report. Deputies also found scales, a shotgun and ammunition in the car, according to the release.

Connell was charged with trafficking methamphetamine, attempting to elude and reckless driving. His bond is set at $107,000.

Harder was arrested and charged with trafficking methamphetamine. His bond is set at $100,000.