Traffic Stop Leads to Drug Task Force Arrest, Meth Seizure

JONESBORO, Ark. — A Helena man is facing multiple felony charges after authorities say a traffic stop in Jonesboro led to a pursuit, foot chase and the seizure of more than 140 grams of methamphetamine.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed by the Second Judicial District Drug Task Force, Special Agent Rick Guimond and Sgt. Rockey Rapert, who is also commissioned with the Arkansas State Police, conducted a traffic stop at approximately 8:46 p.m. on Jan. 13, 2026.

Advertisement
Advertisement

The affidavit states the stop occurred after a dark-colored Chevrolet Malibu failed to signal properly at the intersection of Parker Road and Woodsprings Road. Investigators said they believed the driver to be Drekerious Jamarielle Warren, 29, of Helena, who they said had felony warrants for his arrest.

Authorities said the vehicle initially stopped, but as Sgt. Rapert exited his marked Arkansas State Police unit, the suspect allegedly accelerated away from the stop at a high rate of speed. Trooper T. Fitzgerald later observed the vehicle sitting on Woodsprings Road and attempted a traffic stop, but investigators said the driver immediately fled on foot.

According to the affidavit, Warren ran through a grass median toward Interstate 555 while holding a baggie in his hand. Officers pursued him, and investigators said Warren eventually went to the ground but did not initially comply with commands to place his hands behind his back. Believing he could be armed, officers deployed a Taser and were able to gain control.

During a search, officers reported finding a white plastic baggie and a clear zip-lock style baggie underneath Warren’s body. The affidavit states the baggies appeared to contain methamphetamine residue. Investigators said officers later observed Warren throw a baggie into the woods while fleeing, which was recovered during a search of the area.

Authorities said 149 grams of methamphetamine were located and recovered. The affidavit notes investigators believe the baggie originally contained more than 149 grams, but the remainder was not located.

Warren was transported to the Craighead County Detention Center, where he was held on his felony warrants and the new charges.

Warren is charged with trafficking a controlled substance, a Class Y felony; delivery of methamphetamine or cocaine greater than 10 grams, a Class Y felony; possession with purpose to deliver methamphetamine or cocaine, a Class A felony; use of a communication device, a Class C felony; fleeing, tampering with evidence and possession of paraphernalia, all Class D felonies; resisting arrest; and misdemeanor fleeing.

On Friday, District Judge Tommy Fowler set Warren’s bond at $150,000 cash only and ordered him to wear an ankle monitor. The judge noted Warren is not from the area.

Warren’s next court date is scheduled for Feb. 27.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.