VALDOSTA, Ga. -- A Lowndes County interstate traffic stop earlier this week led to the arrest of a Tennessee murder suspect.
While on patrol Monday, Lowndes County Sheriff's Deputy Felicia Pellitteri observed a Ford pickup truck traveling north on Interstate 75. The truck was reportedly driving well below the speed limit while failing to maintain its lane, according to the Lowndes County Sheriff's Office.
During the traffic stop, a Georgia State Patrol trooper arrived to assist the deputy with a consensual search of the vehicle, according to reports. Authorities discovered a number of prescription medications and several firearms.
Further investigation revealed the medications did not belong to the driver of the truck, and the firearms were previously reported stolen by the Ringgold, Ga., Police Department.
Joshua Sterling Stoltz, 19, of Tennessee, was subsequently arrested for violations of the Georgia controlled substance act and possession of stolen property, reports stated.
On Tuesday, Hamilton County, Tenn., Sheriff's Office investigators traveled to Lowndes County to investigate the suspect's connection to a murder case and recover the stolen pickup truck.
Tennessee news source The Chattanoogan.com reports that Stoltz is a suspect in the murder of David L. Murray, 46, who was discovered dead Tuesday in the basement of a Harrison, Tenn., home.
Another man who lived at the same residence is considered missing, according to Tennessee media reports.
Stoltz was reportedly driving Murray's stolen 2005 maroon Ford pickup truck at the time he was pulled over on Interstate 75, according to The Chattanoogan.com.
A hold was placed on the suspect by Hamilton County authorities. After the Lowndes County charges are satisfied and extradition procedures are complete, Stoltz will be transferred to Tennessee to face criminal charges of homicide and theft of more than $10,000, according to reports.
Dean Poling contributed to this story.
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Copyright 2011 - The Valdosta Daily Times, Ga.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
