CRITTENDEN COUNTY, Ark. — A Florida man sustained injuries during a confrontation with law enforcement on Interstate 55 during a Sept. 24 traffic stop that escalated into an alleged drug-related arrest.
According to a report from Arkansas State Police, Trooper Billy Puckett stopped Taylor F. Smith, 40, of Lakeland, Florida, at approximately 11:36 a.m. near the 26-mile marker of I-55. The trooper had observed Smith driving a white Chevrolet Traverse at speeds reaching 90 mph in a 75-mph zone.
Puckett wrote in his report that Smith appeared nervous and had rolled down all the vehicle’s windows. The trooper reported smelling marijuana near the rear passenger-side door and asked Smith about his travel plans. Smith reportedly stated he was traveling to Missouri for a bluegrass event, which Puckett later characterized as a rave after further questioning.
Smith acknowledged having marijuana in the vehicle, telling the trooper he held a Florida medical marijuana license. Smith allegedly became emotional after being informed of potential charges and refused to comply with Puckett’s repeated orders to sit on the patrol vehicle during the encounter.
Puckett stated that when he attempted to handcuff Smith, a physical altercation ensued, with Smith allegedly resisting and grabbing the trooper’s groin. In video footage obtained by NEA Report, Puckett is seen slamming Smith face-first into the ground. Puckett’s report describes the action as necessary to gain control of Smith, who sustained bloodied injuries to his face during the struggle. After the incident, Smith was assessed by emergency medical personnel at the scene and found to have no serious injuries.
A subsequent search of Smith’s rental vehicle reportedly uncovered marijuana, suspected psilocybin mushrooms, and a brown liquid in a dropper bottle that produced a presumptive positive test for both LSD and methamphetamine. These items were found in storage compartments inside the vehicle. No confirmatory laboratory results had been reported at the time of the incident.
Following his arrest, Smith was taken to the Crittenden County Detention Center. Jail staff initially declined to accept him due to his injuries, but a jail nurse later cleared him for booking. Smith was charged with possession of Schedule I and VI controlled substances with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, resisting arrest, second-degree assault, and speeding. The next day, he pled guilty to misdemeanor charges of drug possession, resisting arrest, and speeding, receiving a 60-day jail sentence.
Arkansas State Police declined to comment on the incident beyond the details provided in the report. The case has raised questions regarding law enforcement practices and the proportionality of force used during arrests involving alleged drug-related offenses.