ROCK HILL, S.C.,None — A man transporting a large amount of scrap metal in Rock Hill on Tuesday was arrested on drug and unlawful transportation of metals charges, according to the Rock Hill Herald.
Officers noticed a Jeep traveling along East Main Street with metal hanging over the sides of the vehicle's bed, above the cab and past the rear bumper, according to a Rock Hill Police report. The load was secured with twine and small ropes.
Determining it a safety hazard, officers attempted to pull over the Jeep, but the driver continued onto South Anderson Road toward Interstate 77. Eventually, he turned on Glen Hope Road before stopping at a metal shop.
The driver, Theotis Emanuel Dunham, 46, of Edgemoor, was charged with unlawful transportation of nonferrous metals, a violation of a state law that went into effect in August.
He also is charged with failure to stop for a blue light and for crack cocaine possession, according to the police report.
The nonferrous metals law requires anyone who buys or sells copper, catalytic converters and other high-value scrap metals to obtain a permit from their county sheriff's office before transporting it. The permit is typically for 48 hours and is free.
Scrap-metal dealers and recycling companies in South Carolina are also required to check the person's permit before buying the metal, and they can't pay cash for copper anymore.
WSOC
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