On Monday, August 3, 2026, shortly after 9 p.m., Delta County Sheriff’s Office deputies were alerted by a concerned motorist that a pickup was traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of North State Highway 24.
Deputies immediately coordinated their response, located the vehicle, and conducted a traffic stop near the intersection of North State Highway 24 and FM 2949. Their quick response and teamwork brought the dangerous situation to a safe conclusion before a serious collision occurred.
The driver, identified as 40-year-old Honey Grove resident Chad Sandifer, allegedly showed signs of impairment during the traffic stop. After he refused to perform standardized field sobriety tests, deputies detained him on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
Sandifer also refused consent to search the vehicle. The Delta County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Team was deployed, and the K-9 gave a positive alert indicating the possible presence of narcotics. During the resulting probable-cause search, deputies reportedly recovered a THC vape device, suspected Penalty Group 2 and Penalty Group 3 controlled substances, and two loaded firearms.
Sandifer, who was reported to have a previous DWI conviction, was arrested on the following charges:
• Two counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 3, less than 28 grams
• One count of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 2, one gram or more but less than four grams
• One count of Possession of a Controlled Substance, Penalty Group 2, less than one gram
• Unlawful Carrying of a Weapon
• Driving While Intoxicated—Second Offense
Sandifer was booked into the Hopkins County Jail and is being held on bonds totaling $51,000.
“This incident demonstrates the importance of communication, training, and teamwork. Our deputies worked together quickly to locate and safely stop a wrong-way driver before someone was seriously injured. The deployment of our K-9 Team also played an important role in locating suspected controlled substances inside the vehicle. I am proud of the professionalism and coordinated effort shown by everyone involved.”
