PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould man was arrested Thursday after a traffic crash at a convenience store led officers to investigate suspected impairment and locate drugs, according to a probable cause affidavit from the Paragould Police Department.
The affidavit states that on Jan. 15, 2026, at approximately 10:33 a.m., off-duty Paragould police Officer Keirstyn Jackson was at the Maverik convenience store located at 4609 West Kingshighway when a silver GMC Yukon traveling south on North Rockingham Road slowed to turn into the parking lot.
According to the affidavit, the vehicle failed to slow adequately and struck the rear of a blue Hyundai Accent.
Officer Jackson made contact with the driver, identified as Tristin Lake Williams, 22, of Paragould, and reported smelling marijuana coming from the vehicle. The affidavit states Williams was unable to follow commands and had to be repeatedly told to apply the brakes as the vehicle continued rolling backward. Officers reported Williams placed the vehicle in reverse before eventually putting it into park.
Police said Williams gave incomplete verbal responses and appeared relaxed and inhibited during the encounter.
After Officer Aaron Forkum arrived on scene, the affidavit states Williams attempted to reach for a package of a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana in an apparent attempt to conceal it. Forkum reported Williams had bloodshot, watery eyes and drooping eyelids, and was speaking slowly and quietly.
Police said a smoked marijuana cigarette and several empty packages of marijuana were observed on the passenger-side floorboard.
Officer Colton Brewer arrived on scene and searched Williams’ person. According to the affidavit, Brewer located a cardboard container in Williams’ left jacket pocket containing a green leafy substance believed to be marijuana, two white rectangular pills identified as Alprazolam, and one blue circular pill identified as Amphetamine and Dextroamphetamine.
Williams was transported to Arkansas Methodist Medical Center for treatment. While at the hospital, police obtained a search warrant for a blood draw.
Williams was arrested on charges of felony and misdemeanor possession of a controlled substance and driving while intoxicated.
Bail had not been set as of this report.
All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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