CLAY COUNTY, NC – A 40-year-old Hayesville man was arrested early Sept. 3 after a Clay County sheriff’s sergeant reportedly found suspected methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia and a loaded firearm during a traffic stop.

According to the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, Sgt. Sean Stout stopped a motorcycle at approximately 2:08 a.m. at the intersection of U.S. Highway 64 and Myers Chapel Road in Hayesville.

The motorcycle’s license plate was reportedly found to be revoked, and the motorcycle did not have valid liability insurance.

The operator was identified as Zachary Ryan Mixon, 40, of Hayesville. Authorities said Mixon was unable to provide valid registration or proof of insurance for the motorcycle.

During a consensual search of the motorcycle, Stout reportedly located a loaded .38-caliber revolver, a plastic bag containing a clear crystalline substance suspected to be methamphetamine, a clear glass smoking device and electronic scales.

According to the sheriff’s office, Stout was previously aware that Mixon was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was a convicted felon and was subject to an active Domestic Violence Protective Order.

Mixon was arrested and charged with felony possession of methamphetamine, felony possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of a firearm while under a Domestic Violence Protective Order and maintaining a vehicle for drugs.

Mixon was being held in the Clay County Detention Center without bond, according to authorities.