Fair Bluff Driver Accused of Cocaine Possession and Evidence Destruction After Late-Night Stop

FAIR BLUFF, NC — What began as a late-night traffic encounter in the early hours of Tuesday morning resulted in a laundry list of felony, misdemeanor, and traffic charges against a Fair Bluff man.

Deputies with the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office initiated contact with 57-year-old Robert Harold Tyler around 12:36 a.m. During the stop, deputies reportedly uncovered evidence of illicit narcotics, leading to an expanded investigation into Tyler’s activities.

According to court filings, Tyler was found in possession of cocaine alongside items used as drug paraphernalia. Authorities allege that during the encounter, Tyler attempted to alter, steal, or destroy criminal evidence and actively resisted a public officer. Furthermore, deputies charged Tyler with littering hazardous waste during the incident.

Tyler was also cited for multiple traffic and operational violations, including driving while impaired (DWI), driving with a revoked license, operating a motor vehicle without registration, carrying no liability insurance, and misdemeanor littering.

Tyler was processed into the Columbus County Detention Center on felony charges of possession with intent to sell or deliver cocaine, maintaining a dwelling or place for controlled substances, destroying evidence, and hazardous littering, alongside his pending traffic and resisting charges. His combined bond was set at $76,200 secured.