East Texas tire dealer Troy Shelton is resting comfortably in a Tyler hospital after undergoing open-heart surgery on July 27. Shelton collapsed while he was being arrested by police on drug and gun charges.
Police found more than 30 pounds of marijuana and some 100 firearms inside Shelton’s home. He owns Lindale Tire Shop in Lindale, Texas, and was described as a well-liked and respected local businessman.
The police raid netted “high grade marijuana worth $5,000 to $6,000 a pound" police claimed, which was found in vacuum-sealed bags and jars in a bedroom. Methamphetamines were also found, and deputies seized 15 marijuana plants from behind the house.
Authorities also confiscated a “large quantity” of cash and 101 weapons, valued at more than $25,000. Handgun, shotgun and rifle ammunition was taken, as were three motorcycles, a motorcycle trailer, several knives, video recorders, drug paraphernalia and an illegal ballistic military vest.
Police suspect Shelton was running the marijuana to contacts in California, and trading the pot for cash and guns.
Smith County Constable Dennis Taylor said, "I’ve been having my tires fixed up there for years. He’s a Lindale businessman and everybody knows him and that’s a mistrust. It upsets me."
Taylor said Shelton will be arrested once he is discharged from the hospital. His wife reportedly also faces charges.
