While a woman who crashed her Jeep was being cut out of the vehicle, a deputy picked up her purse that had been thrown out on the ground in the crash. He was looking for identification. He allegedly found meth.

Tammy Lynne Harper, 60, of Springville, was arrested yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, November 19, by Deputy David Elmore of the Greene County Sheriff’s Department following an investigation by Deputy Elmore into a crash that occurred on Saturday, November 9.

Harper was taken into custody on a warrant that was issued for her arrest on Monday, November 18.

Deputy Elmore was dispatched to the scene of a crash in the area of Flynn Lane in the Springville area on Saturday, November 9. Someone had called 911 and reported a vehicle was wrecked.

When Deputy Elmore arrived, a red 1999 Jeep Cherokee was resting on the driver’s side in a yard. Harper was later identified as the driver. A first responder and another individual on the scene told the deputy Harper was still in the vehicle and firefighters/first responders were trying to cut her out of the Jeep.

When Deputy Elmore walked closer to the Jeep, he saw a black purse lying next to the Jeep and looked for identification in order to confirm the identity of the driver. He reported he found clear bags and a cut straw with a crystal-like substance. All items that field-tested positive for the presence of methamphetamine were collected as evidence.

Before he left the scene, a volunteer firefighter told the deputy that Harper had asked for multiple bags including the black purse that contained the illegal items.

No information regarding injury or medical treatment of the driver was released, but Harper was not arrested at that time.

A criminal case was then filed against Harper on Monday, November 18, and the warrant issued. She is facing preliminary charges of possession of methamphetamine, a Level 6 felony, and possession of paraphernalia, a Class C misdemeanor.

Harper was being held without bond pending court appearance and she’s scheduled to appear in Greene Superior Court tomorrow, Thursday, November 21.