CCSO Deputy spots driver using cell phone at stoplight
Just before Noon on Wednesday, July 30th, 2025 a Deputy with the Coweta County Sheriff’s Office who was stopped for a red light at the intersection of Bullsboro Dr and Celebrate Life Parkway, observed the driver in a Silver Toyota Corolla beside him was not paying attention and was instead concentrating on something in his lap.
The driver was so engrossed in what he was doing he failed to notice the Deputy beside him. The Deputy got his attention and asked him to roll down his window, when he did he asked the driver what he had in his lap and the driver responded by showing him the phone in his hands. The Deputy told him to pull over in front of him and activated his blue lights.
The driver pulled in front of him before making a right onto Celebrate Life Parkway, however instead of stopping the Deputy noted he increased his speed in what he felt was an attempt to make a bit of distance between them. The Deputy also noted seeing the driver, the sole occupant of the vehicle, reaching around the vehicle as he continued eventually pulling into the parking lot of Southtowne Chevy and continuing through the parking lot before the Deputy got on his vehicles’ PA system and ordered the driver to stop and pull to the right.
Instead of going to the right, he went left and pulled into a parking spot in front of Southtowne GMC causing the Deputy to lose line of sight with the driver. The Deputy quickly stepped out of his vehicle and heard the sound of a pistol being racked several times. The Deputy took out his service weapon and pointed it at the driver, asking what he was reaching for and commanding him to put it down. The driver responded by placing his hands outside the window and originally stating ” nothing ” regarding what he was reaching for, but quickly stated ” it was an open drink. ”
The Deputy conducted a felony stop, commanding the driver out of the vehicle at gun point and directing him to his knees in the parking lot where he was than handcuffed, searched, and placed in the back of the deputies vehicle. The driver was identified as Carter Matthew Heizer, 20, of Grantville.
Things get Twisted during search
A search of Carter’s vehicle confirmed his admission of an open drink being in the vehicle when an open Twisted Tea was located in the passenger floorboard. 3 additional 12oz Twisted Teas were located in the center console compartment.
In addition to the Twisted Tea, a black vape pen was located in the cup holder of the center console. The pen, labeled ” Diamond Boyz,” was tested and confirmed to contain THC using a test kit.
A Rock Island M1911 9mm pistol was located in the glove box of the vehicle. The chamber of the pistol was empty and a count of rounds in the magazine, which has a capacity of 10 rounds, showed only 9 rounds were loaded within it.
The Deputy than turned his attention to the rear seat of the vehicle where he found two Coweta County Detention Officer vests as well as two duty belts containing Coweta County issued equipment to include Tasers.
The Deputy than turned his attention to the rear seat of the vehicle where he found two Coweta County Detention Officer vests as well as two duty belts containing Coweta County issued equipment to include Tasers. The Deputy contacted a Lieutenant with the Jail Division to respond to the scene to take possession and conduct their investigation.
Carter’s vehicle was towed from the scene and Carter was taken to the Coweta County Jail for booking. The pistol and THC were taken into evidence.
Carter was sworn in as a Detention Officer at the Coweta County Detention Center in January of 2024.
Carter Matthew Heizer, 20, of Grantville
Carter Matthew Heizer, 20, of Grantville, was booked into the Coweta County Jail on the following charges:
- VGCSA Sch 1/2 Narcotic Possession (F)
- Holding a Cell Phone (M)
- Open Container in Passenger Area of Vehicle in Operation (M)
Booking records indicate Heizer had his First Appearance that afternoon and was released that evening on a $2,600 bond.
Heizer has no other known criminal history.
Coweta County Sheriff’s Office Statement
The Coweta County Sheriff’s Office, whose Jail Division operates the Detention Center, and is the employer of the Detention Officers, released the following statement regarding Heizer’s arrest.
On Wednesday, July 30th, 2025, A Coweta County Patrol Deputy conducted a traffic stop in front of Southtowne Chevrolet for a hands-free violation. The driver, Carter Heizer, a former Coweta County Detention Officer, was found to be in possession of an electronic vape which contained suspected THC and multiple open alcohol containers. Mr. Heizer was arrested and transported to Coweta County Jail, where he was charged with Hands Free Violation, Open Container, and VGCSA controlled substance possession.
An administrative investigation was started, and Heizer immediately resigned in lieu of termination on 7/30/2025.