BROOKLAND, Ark. — A driver is accused of discarding a glass pipe suspected of containing methamphetamine during a traffic stop on Arkansas 49, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Matthew Lee Donahue has been charged with possession of methamphetamine or cocaine weighing less than 2 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia, and tampering with physical evidence, all Class D felonies. He also faces a misdemeanor charge for driving with a canceled, suspended, or revoked license, court records show.
The incident occurred on Oct. 19 after a report of a hazardous or impaired driver was made around 12:20 p.m. A caller reported a red Hyundai SUV traveling north near The Ridge Coffee Shop was driving erratically and "all over the road," according to the affidavit.
Brookland Police Chief Jon Moore, stationed on the northbound shoulder of Arkansas 49 near the School Street intersection, observed a vehicle fitting the description driving on the fog line. The affidavit states the vehicle’s passenger-side tires were completely over the line as it passed Moore’s patrol unit, prompting him to initiate a traffic stop. The driver pulled into the parking lot of Jordan’s/Subway, where Arkansas State Police Trooper Nash Thomas arrived to assist.
Donahue reportedly provided his driver’s license, which officers determined to be suspended. Further checks revealed Donahue had a failure-to-appear warrant issued through Jonesboro and was on parole, according to the affidavit.
While standing between the patrol vehicles, Donahue allegedly removed a glass pipe containing suspected methamphetamine from his person and threw it to the ground in an effort to hide or destroy the item. Officers recovered the pipe and arrested Donahue, taking him to the county jail. During transport, Donahue reportedly admitted to throwing the pipe because he was aware of the warrant and knew he was likely going to jail, the affidavit states.
Judge Thomas Fowler found probable cause at a hearing on Oct. 21. Bond was set at $15,000 cash or surety, and GPS ankle monitoring was ordered as a condition of Donahue’s release. A public defender was appointed to represent him. Donahue is scheduled to appear in Craighead County Circuit Court at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 23.
All suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.