Traffic Stop Leads To Arrest of Wanted Individual

On June 4, 2025, at approximately 11:00 PM, Clay County Officer Aly Daniel stopped a vehicle near Catalyst Church on US Hwy 64 East in Hayesville. The vehicle was stopped for driving left of the center line in an unsafe manner. In addition to the driver, Evelyn Stewart Bailey, 54, of Almond, NC, was found sitting in the back seat of the vehicle with a dog.

Clay County Officer Cory Scroggs, with his K-9 Freya, and Investigator Steven Smith soon arrived at the scene to assist Officer Daniel. Officer Scroggs and Freya conducted a search of the exterior of the vehicle. Freya gave a positive indication for the presence of controlled substances, at which time a probable cause search was initiated. A fluid-filled hypodermic needle and syringe, along with a clear bag containing a crystal-like substance, were found within a purse that Bailey was holding.

The crystal-like substance field-tested positive for methamphetamine. Bailey was arrested and charged with felony Possession of Methamphetamine and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. She was transported to the Clay County Detention Center and held without bond for 48 hours due to pending charges in Cherokee County.

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