JONESBORO, Ark. — A man is facing multiple charges after police say a probation search Wednesday morning uncovered suspected methamphetamine, prompting him to flee.
According to a probable cause affidavit, officers identified the suspect, Fidell E. Mitchell, during a patrol near Melrose and Belt streets at around 4:46 a.m. Officers noted Mitchell was on active probation and made contact with him in connection with reported vehicle break-ins in the area. The affidavit did not allege that Mitchell was involved in those break-ins.
During the encounter, officers conducted a probation search. They reported finding a glass pipe with burn marks in Mitchell’s pants pocket and a small quantity of a white crystalline substance, suspected to be methamphetamine, inside his wallet.
When an officer began to handcuff Mitchell, he fled on foot, police said. Officers pursued him, eventually taking him to the ground and arresting him. Police seized the items found during the search, including 1.05 grams of suspected methamphetamine.
Mitchell is now charged with possession of methamphetamine or cocaine, less than 2 grams, and possession of drug paraphernalia, both of which are Class D felonies. He also faces two misdemeanor charges: fleeing and resisting arrest.
Special Judge Ralph Wilson set Mitchell’s bond at $25,000, either cash or surety. Mitchell is scheduled to appear in court at 8:30 a.m. on Sept. 30 at the Craighead County Courthouse.
Law enforcement emphasized that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.