By By Janet Little Cooper
A local man was found dead in his room at Southland Motel Saturday, Oct. 22.
Officers with Atmore Police Department and Kelley's Ambulance Service responded to a call around 3:30 p.m. at Southland Motel relating to a possible deceased person.
Upon arrival, officers observed Thomas Martin Stewart, 39, of Grand Bay lying on the bathroom floor of his rented room. Kelley's Ambulance paramedic checked Stewart for vital signs with no response. He was pronounced dead at the scene and taken to ACH at the instruction of Dr. Daniel Raulerson, Escambia County Medical Examiner.
An occupant of the motel room with Stewart at the time of the incident was arrested and later released. Wendy Thompson, 25 of Grand Bay, Ala. was charged with possession of marijuana in the second degree. Thompson was questioned about the death of Stewart in an attempt to piece together factual information of what took place. Thompson was not charged and was cleared and released of any wrong doing in regards to the death of Stewart.
According to Chief Jason Dean items were collected from the room and in Stewart's possession that were consistent with a possible drug overdose. Thompson had a previous record with authorities.
"It appears at this time that the death was drug related." Chief Dean said, "We recovered evidence that would lead us to believe it was a possible drug overdose. Of course we will investigate and wait for toxicology reports for a final determination."
The case is currently under investigation by Investigator Chuck Brooks with The Atmore Police Department.