Paragould Suspect Arrested After Officers Find Suspected Meth, Pipe Behind Houses, Affidavit Says

PARAGOULD, Ark. — A Paragould suspect was arrested after officers reported finding suspected methamphetamine and a pipe behind two houses after stopping to investigate what they described as evasive behavior, according to a probable cause affidavit.

James M. Raines, 51, of Paragould, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, a Class C felony; possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class D felony; and tampering with physical evidence, a Class D felony.

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According to the affidavit, officers were patrolling April 14, 2026, in the area of Darling and Rector Road when they saw Raines riding a bike. Officers said Raines repeatedly turned and looked at their marked patrol unit after they drove by.

Police said they turned around and went back to the area to make contact with Raines. At that point, officers reported seeing Raines make a U-turn and go behind two houses in the 400 block of Darling.

According to the affidavit, officers got out with Raines because of what they described as evasive behavior and asked whether he had placed anything behind the houses. Police said Raines told them no, and he was detained while officers investigated.

Officers then checked behind the houses and followed tire marks in the tall grass, according to the affidavit. Between the two houses, police reported finding a bag containing suspected methamphetamine and a pipe with a bulbous end.

Raines was taken into custody, and his bail was set at $3,000 cash or surety.

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