Chattanooga man arrested in Dunlap after suspected meth, marijuana found during traffic stop

DUNLAP — A Chattanooga man has been arrested after officers found suspected marijuana and methamphetamine in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

During the overnight hours of June 7, 2026, officers with the Dunlap Police Department (DPD) initiated a traffic stop on a red Kia sedan with malfunctioning tail lights in the area of the U.S. 127 / Hwy 111 on-ramp, the DPD says.

The driver, John J. Stephens, was arrested after a plain-view search of the vehicle when officers discovered approximately 31.2 grams of a white crystal type substance believed to be Methamphetamine, and approximately 4.7 grams of a green leafy substance believed to be Marijuana, according to the DPD.

Stephens was charged with:

• Felony Possession of Schedule II – Methamphetamine
• Simple Possession of Marijuana,
• Driving while in Possession of Methamphetamine