Jason Futch
Reporter2@riverbendnews.org
The Suwannee County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team arrested two Live Oak residents following an early morning warrant execution at a local motel.
According to a press release from SCSO, on Thursday, March 5, at approximately 6:13 a.m., SCSO executed a narcotics search warrant at the Royal Inn Motel on U.S. Highway 129 and Hamilton Avenue. Chester Chaires Jr., 55, was the subject of the warrant and was wanted in connection with numerous drug law violations.
Due to his criminal history and information about possible weapons in the room, SCSO investigators obtained a no-knock warrant. This prompted the SWAT team to assist in the arrest.
SWAT utilized an explosive breaching device to access the motel room, arresting Chaires and 28-year-old Lauren Elizabeth Woodruff, who was also inside the room. The device was loud enough to be heard throughout the neighborhood and beyond.
During the operation, a drone flown by an SCSO investigator captured footage of the door breach and the arrests of Chaires and Woodruff.
“The footage shows the coordinated effort that went into safely executing the warrant and taking another step toward keeping our community safe,” SCSO stated on social media.
The press release further revealed the search of the motel room yielded over $2,300 in cash, along with several ounces of methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana and fentanyl.
Chaires was charged with possession of a controlled substance. He was also charged with delivering methamphetamine, trafficking in methamphetamine over 14 grams, possession with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a specified area, using a two-way device to facilitate a felony, and possessing drug equipment.
His bond was set to $362,500. He remains at the Suwannee County Jail.
Woodruff was charged with possession of a controlled substance and booked at the jail. She posted bond on Friday, March 6.