By Leah Justice

leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

A man from Denver, Colo. was arrested in downtown Tryon last week after an officer witnessed him running into a curb and finding 2,100 illegal pills in his vehicle as well as charging him with driving while impaired.

Gregory Neil Corder, 40, was arrested and charged with driving while impaired, 15 counts of felony drug possession, two counts of misdemeanor drug possession, hit and run, careless and reckless driving, open container of alcohol, assault on a government official and resist, obstruct and delay a law enforcement officer, according to Tryon Police Department reports.

The incident and arrest occurred on March 4 at approximately 12:30 a.m. when Officer J. Staggs with the Tryon Police Department witnessed a Jeep Cherokee run into the curb at the corner of South Trade and Oak streets. Staggs noticed there was damage to the vehicle and made contact with Corder.

Staggs determined Corder struck a fire hydrant near Side Street Pizza on South Trade Street.

After arresting Corder for driving while impaired, officers discovered the pills, classified as controlled substances. Corder also resisted arrest and fought with the officers, according to the Tryon Police Department.

The Columbus Police Department assisted Tryon in the arrest.

Corder is out of the Polk County Jail under a $180,000 secured bond.