JACKSON TN – Special Agents with the Apprehension and Enforcement Unit of the Tennessee Department of Corrections contacted and informed Jackson-Madison County Metro Narcotics Investigators that they had tracked wanted fugitive Randall Stewart to room 235 of the Old Hickory Inn located at 1849 Hwy 45 By-Pass in Jackson. Stewart was wanted on an outstanding parole violation warrant as well as warrants for 2-counts of Methamphetamine Manufacture and Felony Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
When the Apprehension and Enforcement Agents attempted to make contact with Stewart, he barricaded the hotel room door and began his attempt to destroy a “shake and bake” methamphetamine lab by burning it in the bathroom along with other lab components and equipment. When Metro Narcotics Investigators arrived on the scene smoke was emitting from inside the room and the occupants were still refusing to answer the door. As other rooms in the motel were occupied and the threat of structural fire was growing, the officers on the scene made forcible entry into the room and took Randall Stewart into custody along with Andrea Carlton who was staying there with him.
Burnt remnants of the lab were recovered and disposed of and room 235 of the Old Hickory Inn was placed under quarantine in accordance with State guidelines. A small amount of Marijuana was also found in the burned items.
Randall Jay Stewart, age 53, of 860 Harts Bridge Road in Jackson and Andrea Brooke Carlton, age 24, of 422 D.T. Williams Road in Bells are being charged with Manufacture of Methamphetamine, Aggravated Arson, Tampering with Evidence, Resisting Arrest and Possession of Marijuana. They are currently being held at the Madison County Criminal Justice Complex where they await arraignment in Madison County General Sessions Court.
Anyone with additional information about this case or any other drug activity can call the Jackson Madison County Metro Narcotics Unit at 731-424-6485 or CrimeStoppers at 731-424-8477.
