Authorities: Illegal Tire Dump Found, Two in Custody

SMITH COUNTY — Smith County authorities have arrested two suspects after finding what they term an illegal tire dump containing some 1,000 tires. The suspects are named as 27-year-old Brandon Dudley and 25-year-old Joseph Price. Both were charged with illegal dumping of solid waste, with bonds set at $50,000 each. According to a news release, the Smith County Sheriff’s Environmental Crimes Unit and Patrol Division found the dump this week in the area of Farm Road 757 some four miles north of Highway 31.

Environmental Crimes Investigator Tommy Goodman began an investigation. Early Friday morning, he saw a truck and large trailer that contained some 300 to 400 tires that had pulled into the dump area, according to the release. Goodman says he tried to stop the vehicle while calling for further assistance. As the truck and trailer made its way back to FM 757, Goodman saw a man run out of the woods and jump into the truck, according to officials. Authorities say after a short distance, the vehicle pulled over, and both men in the truck were taken into custody.