A Johnson City man arrested in connection with a Sept. 2 car crash is now facing more charges related to items found in the vehicle by police investigating the crash.
Ronald Jay Collins, 38, Wichita Street, Johnson City, was arrested following the accident and charged with first offense driving under the influence and sixth offense driving on a revoked license. Collins now faces charges of possession of drug paraphernalia, initiation of the process to manufacture methamphetamine and 18 counts of promotion of methamphetamine manufacture.
Collins was being held at the Carter County Detention Center under a $4,000 bond but with the addition of new charges against him his bond was raised to a total of $84,000.
Carter County Sheriff’s Department Lt. Kenny Cornett investigated the accident. In his report on the crash, Cornett said Collins appeared to be under the influence but field sobriety tests could not be performed on Collins due to his “being so incoherent.”
Cornett said he checked the vehicle to see if anything inside could explain Collins’ state. Upon looking in the vehicle, Cornett said he located a meth lab in the behind the back seat of the van Collins had been driving.
The additional charges were filed against Collins by CCSD Sgt. Harmon Duncan in connection with the items found in the vehicle.
Collins is scheduled to appear in General Sessions Court on Oct. 24.