An off-duty firefighter was arrested Wednesday after allegedly being caught with cocaine in his possession.
The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) responded to the Holiday Inn Express on Leone Court at the I-40 / NC 42 interchange for a welfare check. When they arrived they encountered a man who was acting erratically, according to Tammy Amaon, Public Information Officer, with the JCSO.
During their investigation, deputies said they located suspected cocaine on 39 year-old James Donald Matthews of Matthews Road, Clayton.
After searching his car, two handguns, a shotgun and ammunition were reportedly found. Drug paraphernalia was also seized, officers indicated.
Matthews was charged with felony possession of cocaine and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia.
WTSB News has confirmed Matthews is a full-time fire engineer with the Town of Holly Springs Fire Department. He has been employed with the department since 2008.
A Town of Holly Springs human resource spokesperson declined to release any additional information.
Matthews was transported to the Johnston County Jail where he was given a $3,000 bond.
