Cleveland man facing drug trafficking charges

A Cleveland man has been arrested by White County authorities on drug trafficking and other charges.

White County Sheriff Rick Kelley says the case against Paul Hunter, 43, stemmed from a deputy’s attempt to stop his vehicle for a traffic violation. Instead of pulling over, Sheriff Kelley says Hunter sped away with the deputy in pursuit. But he stopped after a short time. However, during the chase he reportedly tossed about 2.5 ounces of suspected meth from his vehicle.

The next day, during a raid on Hunter’s home, investigators found another 5.5 ounces of meth along with packaging material, drug-related items and a gun.

Hunter has been charged with:

*Trafficking Methamphetamine (2 counts)

*Possession of Methamphetamine with the Intent to Distribute

*Possession of a Schedule IV Controlled Substance

*Possession of Firearm by Convicted Felon

*Possession of Drug Related Objects

*Abandonment of Dangerous Drugs

*Fleeing or Attempting to Elude, *

*Reckless Driving,

*Failure to Obey Traffic Control Device,

*Operating an Unregistered Vehicle,

*Removing or Affixing License Plate to Conceal Identity of Vehicle.