According to Sheriff Jeff Shaver, a Centre man was arrested on Independence Day for promoting prison contraband and DUI.

Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Nick Vaughn observed a motorist throw contraband out to inmates, who were erecting flags on Highway 411 for the avenue of flags.

Cpl. Vaughn stopped the driver, 39 year-old Michael Grant Brown, and arrested him for third degree promoting prison contraband and DUI.

Cpl. Vaughn saw what happened and pulled over Brown, who was deemed intoxicated. Sheriff Shaver said that Brown said, “I know they can’t have tobacco in the jail, but it is the Fourth of July…” “Apparently he thought it would be a good idea,” said Shaver.

Shaver added, “We do everything we can to keep contraband out of the jail. We don’t need the public throwing it to them.”

Brown was transported to the Cherokee County Detention Center.