JONESBORO, Ark. — A traffic stop in Jonesboro escalated into an arrest involving a Taser, a police dog, and allegations of felony drug possession.
According to a probable cause affidavit, officers stopped Robert L. Carter, 40, on Oct. 27 after he allegedly failed to signal a turn from South Culberhouse Drive onto Poplar Street. The stop resulted in Carter facing multiple charges, including possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana, resisting arrest, fleeing, driving on a suspended license, and failure to signal.
Officer Chaffin reported pulling over the red Chevrolet Cruze in the 600 block of Poplar Street and initially instructing Carter to remain inside the vehicle. Chaffin eventually asked Carter to step out, but when Carter requested to retrieve something from the car, the officer observed him allegedly handling a sock in the center console. Suspicious, the officer attempted to detain Carter, who allegedly resisted by tensing up and raising his arms in a manner that indicated potential aggression.
Carter fled after Chaffin pushed him to create distance, the affidavit states. Chaffin deployed a Taser, which caused Carter to fall, but police allege that he continued to resist commands. Officer Martin arrived at the scene with a police dog and, after issuing a warning, deployed the dog to help subdue Carter. The affidavit further alleges Carter fought the police dog, prompting Martin to strike him in the face. Officers eventually subdued Carter and placed him in handcuffs.
A police dog conducted an exterior sniff of Carter’s vehicle, resulting in an alert that led to a search. Officers reported finding a sock on the passenger seat containing two bags of suspected methamphetamine weighing 15.03 grams and 2.77 grams. Additional items located in the car included digital scales with a white residue, three cellphones, and 2.16 grams of suspected marijuana.
Carter was taken to St. Bernards Medical Center for treatment of injuries before being transported to the Craighead County Detention Center.
Court documents indicate that the methamphetamine possession charge is a Class A felony, while possessing drug paraphernalia is classified as a Class B felony. Additional misdemeanor charges include marijuana possession, fleeing, and resisting arrest. Judge David Boling found probable cause during a first appearance on Oct. 28, setting Carter’s bond at $200,000 cash or surety. Carter’s next court date is scheduled for Dec. 16.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.