BOLO hit near elementary school ends in arrest

A traffic stop near a Sparta elementary school quickly escalated into a drug-related arrest after authorities say a driver was found with suspected narcotics and paraphernalia following an investigation that began with a BOLO alert.

According to an affidavit of complaint filed in White County General Sessions Court, the incident occurred around 7:20 a.m. on April 24, 2026, when Sgt. Bullard observed a blue Chevrolet Blazer displaying a “manufacturer transport” plate on Northfield Elementary School property. The vehicle matched a be-on-the-lookout alert tied to suspected drug activity.

Authorities identified the driver as Sarah Rachelle Bumbalough, who had just dropped off a child at the school. Sgt. Bullard followed the vehicle as it left campus and initiated a traffic stop after observing an additional traffic violation involving crossing double yellow lines.

Upon making contact, Bumbalough reportedly told officers that the license plate had been given to her by another individual so she could avoid properly registering the vehicle. She indicated she had been using the plate for approximately three weeks, according to the report.

Deputies conducted a search of the vehicle with consent and located a container holding a peach-colored powder believed to be narcotics. A subsequent search of Bumbalough’s person allegedly revealed multiple items consistent with illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia.

Among the items recovered were approximately 3.5 grams of a substance believed to be methamphetamine, multiple Alprazolam pills in varying quantities, Suboxone strips, and additional prescription medications. Investigators also reported finding two glass pipes, one of which contained residue believed to be methamphetamine.

Based on the investigation, authorities charged Bumbalough with multiple offenses, including manufacture, delivery, sale, or possession of a controlled substance within a drug-free school zone, improper use of vehicle registration, unlawful drug paraphernalia, and possession of a controlled substance without a valid prescription.

Bond was set at $28,000, according to court records.