JONESBORO, Ark. — A Jonesboro man accused in the death of a pedestrian earlier this month is also facing felony drug charges in a separate case predating the alleged fatal incidents.
Michael Coleman, 43, is charged with possession of between 10 and 200 grams of methamphetamine or cocaine, a Class B felony, as well as tampering with physical evidence, a Class D felony. The new case also includes misdemeanor counts of resisting arrest and first-degree criminal mischief.
In the drug-related case, Coleman’s bond was set at $50,000 cash or surety and includes GPS monitoring. This is separate from the $5 million bond holding him in the unrelated murder case.
The drug charges stem from a July 27 encounter at the Walmart on East Highland Drive. A probable cause affidavit details the incident, which allegedly began when store management contacted an off-duty police officer around 11 p.m. requesting Coleman be banned from the property due to past alleged shoplifting.
According to police, Coleman appeared highly nervous when approached. After officers learned Coleman was serving a suspended imposition of sentence, they began searching him. During the search, an officer reportedly felt a small plastic bag near Coleman’s belt. Coleman allegedly grabbed the bag and attempted to flee, prompting a struggle with two officers.
During the physical altercation, officers said they observed Coleman attempting to put the bag in his mouth. After taking him to the ground, officers reported recovering a bag containing 27.5 grams of suspected methamphetamine beneath a nearby jewelry aisle. The affidavit states Coleman admitted to ingesting methamphetamine during the incident.
Following his arrest, Coleman was transported to a hospital for an elevated heart rate and concern he ingested drugs. Medical staff discharged him hours later, but officers were reportedly not notified immediately of his release, according to court documents.
A filing dated Aug. 18 states Coleman is in custody on unrelated charges, and his next court appearance in the drug case is scheduled for Sept. 30 at 8:30 a.m.
The allegations in the drug case are separate from Coleman’s Aug. 13 charges in incidents at two locations: the Walmart Neighborhood Market on Harrisburg Road and Craighead Forest Park. Authorities accuse Coleman of intentionally striking pedestrians at both locations. One victim, Belinda Adams, died on Aug. 17.
Coleman faces multiple charges in the Aug. 13 incidents, including first-degree murder, three Class A felony counts of criminal attempt, and additional offenses.
All allegations remain unproven, and Coleman is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.