Lindale Business Owner Found Dead in Dallas

LINDALE — A Lindale business owner, who was arrested in August in a massive drug raid at his home, was found dead in a Dallas motel late Wednesday night. Troy Glen Shelton, 45, had apparently hanged himself. Shelton, who owned the Lindale Tire Shop, was arrested in late July at his home at FM 16 and FM 14 where authorities found more than 31 pounds of vacuumed packed marijuana, plus methamphetamine, plus $25,000 worth of guns, plus cash.

Officials said the value of the marijuana and meth was estimated to be in excess of $200,000, making it one of the biggest drug busts in East Texas history. In addition to the processed drugs, deputies seized 15 marijuana plants from an area behind Shelton’s house. Deputies also seized more than 100 weapons.

On the day of his arrest Taylor said Shelton collapsed and had to be transported to East Texas Medical Center in Tyler where he was scheduled to undergo heart surgery. He was booked into the Smith County Jail two weeks later and nine days after that he was released.