LIVINGSTON, TENN.

The Overton County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) brought two Putnam County men to justice after more than 40 syringes and a variety of drugs were discovered in a school zone on Wednesday, February 27.

The charges came after an OCSD deputy, who was running radar, witnessed a 2014 Cadillac CTS stop at a stop sign at the Rickman Monterey Highway and stayed there for “at least” five minutes.

When the deputy pulled up to the driver to make sure the occupants of the vehicle were okay, the driver was reportedly not wearing a seatbelt and a strong odor believed to be marijuana was coming from the vehicle.

The two occupants of the vehicle were identified as driver Damien J. Phy, 26, and passenger Markham Smith, 25, both of Cookeville.

Phy, who was reportedly driving on a revoked license for driving under the influence, reportedly gave permission to search the vehicle, but before the vehicle was searched, a pat down revealed Buprenorphoine, Clonazapam, one syringe and 0.2 grams of marijuana on Phy.

Upon search of the vehicle, 2.18 grams of meth, 0.6 grams of marijuana, one set of digital scales, 46 syringes, three pipes, 10 baggies and one marijuana grinder were discovered.

Both suspects were placed under arrest and transported to the justice center where their warrants were read and signed. Phy was given all necessary paper work on the seizure of his vehicle.

Smith was charged with unlawful drug paraphernalia; conspiracy to possess Schedule II narcotics in a drug free school zone; manufacturing, delivery, sale or possession of methamphetamine; simple possession/casual exchange of a Schedule III; and simple possession/casual sale exchange of a Schedule VI. His bail was set at $13,250 for these charges.

Phy was charged with driving while license is cancelled, suspended or revoked; simple possession or casual exchange of a Schedule VI; manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of methamphetamine; unlawful drug paraphernalia uses and activities; and conspiracy to possession Schedule II narcotics in a drug free school zone. His bond was set at $12,750 on those charges.

Both Smith and Phy have since posted bail and are to be in Overton County General Sessions Court on April 2.

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The Livingston Police Department (LPD) is asking for information regarding the whereabouts of a Livingston man who allegedly pulled a firearm at Pizza Hut in Livingston.

Shane Conatser, 39, is considered to be armed and dangerous after he reportedly fled from police following the incident on Saturday night, March 9.

LPD officers J.D. Masters and Sgt. Jonathan Storie responded to a call of a violation or order of protection in progress at the Pizza Hut around 5:31 p.m.

The officers observed Conatser, in a white Chevy pickup, in the parking lot with the victims, but before the officers could stop the vehicle, the truck pulled out on West Main Street and reportedly began to flee the scene.

Officers then gave chase to the suspect, and during this time, officers learned that Conatser had allegedly pulled a firearm on a victim at Pizza Hut whose name had not been released.

It is unclear from the release if the man pointed the gun at more than one person.

LPD officers, along with deputies with the Overton County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD), pursued the vehicle on Monterey Highway until the vehicle turned down Peek Lane, which came to a dead end.

The suspect, along with an unnamed passenger in the vehicle, then fled on foot.

Conatser is facing charges of violation of order of protection, aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, evading arrest, unlawful carrying of a weapon and felony methamphetamine charges.

Conatser had not been apprehended as of last week’s press deadline.

LPD Police Chief Greg Etheredge thanked the deputies that assisted during the pursuit saying, “I am grateful that we have a strong working relationship with Sheriff John Garrett and the deputies at OCSD.”

Anyone with information related to the whereabouts of Conatser were asked to call the police at 931-823-6496 or dial 911.