This week, the Southmayd Police Department released information related to an incident that took place last week in the city. The release said police witnessed a vehicle almost hit a marked police vehicle.
As a result, officers initiated a stop on the suspicious vehicle and found more than they intended.
“On September 15, 2025, at approximately 1:30 PM, Lt. Aguirre and Chief Jeff Laughlin responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked in a driveway in the 19000 block of State Highway 56 for a considerable amount of time,” the release said.
“Upon arrival, officers observed a grey Ram pickup truck exiting the driveway. The vehicle veered into the oncoming lane of traffic, nearly causing a head-on collision with a marked police unit before correcting back into the proper lane.”
Once the shop was initiated, the officer made contact with the driver.
“(Joey) Teel appeared disoriented and stated he had pulled over to rest,” the release said. “Upon further interaction, officers noted that Teel was visibly shaking and bleeding from his right ring finger.
“Teel informed Chief Laughlin that he had taken prescription medication prior to driving and admitted to having a marijuana pipe inside the vehicle’s center console.”
Police searched the vehicle due to probable cause. Officers located “a broken glass pipe containing suspected methamphetamine residue on the driver-side center console,” and “a glass marijuana pipe in the center console.”
Police spoke with the suspect about the items found and learned more about the items found.
“When questioned, Teel admitted to cutting his finger on the methamphetamine pipe upon seeing the police vehicle,” the release said. “Based on this admission and the evidence found, officers determined that Teel attempted to destroy the pipe to conceal evidence.”
The suspect was arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence and driving while intoxicated (second offense – substance other than alcohol).
“Teel was transported to Sherman Medical Center for a mandatory blood draw and subsequently booked into the Grayson County Jail,” the release said. “The Southmayd Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety of our roadways and taking impaired drivers off the streets.”
