by Leah Justice
During surgery, methamphetamine was found inside a body cavity of the woman involved in a three-county police chase that ended in Polk County on Monday, March 31.
Kimberly Dawn Whitworth, 28, of Shelby remains in critical condition at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center where she was airlifted following a wreck that occurred on Hwy. 74 near Columbus.
During surgery, doctors found a reported 19 grams of methamphetamine hidden inside a body cavity, which has an estimated street value of approximately $2,000, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office where the chase began.
The police chase was initiated in Shelby after investigators reportedly made an undercover meth purchase from Jason Lowery, 28, of Shelby, who was driving the vehicle.
When investigators attempted to stop Lowery for an arrest, he took off, according to reports, and led officers from Shelby, through Rutherford County and into Polk County.
Deputies from the Polk County Sheriff’s Office deployed stop sticks in an attempt to stop the vehicle, but Lowery tried to miss the sticks, lost control of the vehicle and struck a pickup truck that was coming down an exit ramp, according to reports.
The passengers in the truck were taken to the hospital with no serious injuries, according to the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Office, which is investigating the drug case.
Lowery, who was listed in stable condition, was charged with possession with intent to sell methamphetamine, sell or deliver meth, driving at a felony speed to elude police, careless and reckless driving, driving while license revoked, fictitious register plate and driving left of center, according to reports.
The investigation continues with more charges expected.