Brush Fire Leads To Drug Arrest

Press Release

On 03/18/25 at 2:11 PM Clay County Sgt Chris Moral, Cal Will Suggs, and Officer Donovan Burke responded to an area of a brush fire off of Russell Drive behind the Subway Restaurant in Hayesville. Clay County Fire & Rescue were also on scene with regard to the fire. Present at the scene was Steven Michael Foster, 38 years of age from Hayesville.

Foster admitted to camping out in this area and accidentally setting fire to surrounding brush because of his campfire. It was learned that Foster had previously been trespassed or banned from being on the property where his encampment was located. While being searched during his arrest for Second Degree Trespassing, Officers found a plastic baggy containing a white crystal-like substance in Foster’s cargo pants pocket.

This substance tested positive for methamphetamine. Foster was transported to the Clay County Detention Center and formally charged with Felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Second-Degree Trespassing. Foster was given a $5,000 secured bond but held for 48 hours due to already being out on pre-trial release.  

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law