Safety checkpoint leads to drug arrests
SCOTTSBORO — Two individuals have been arrested after a safety checkpoint at AL Highway 79 and County Road 23.
According to the Scottsboro Police Department (SPD), on April 27, 2026, officers were conducting a safety checkpoint when a vehicle approached the checkpoint with improper equipment, so the driver was asked to pull the vehicle to the side.
They say the driver was identified as James Lee McCrary (34 of Stevenson, AL) and the passenger was identified as Monica Christine Cates (39 of Jasper, TN).
During the stop, a K-9 unit conducted a free air sniff of the vehicle and alerted to the presence of narcotics. Officers then conducted a probable cause search of the vehicle.
During the search, officers located marijuana, controlled substance medications, and a firearm.
As a result of the investigation:
• McCrary was arrested and charged with Possession of Marijuana 2nd Degree.
• Cates was arrested and charged with Possession of a Controlled Substance.
Both individuals were transported and booked without incident.
