Driver Accused of Tossing Meth Pipe During Brookland Traffic Stop

BROOKLAND, Ark. — A driver is accused of throwing a glass pipe containing suspected methamphetamine onto the ground during an Oct. 19 traffic stop on Arkansas 49, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Matthew Lee Donahue faces allegations of possession of methamphetamine or cocaine weighing less than 2 grams, possession of drug paraphernalia and tampering with physical evidence, all Class D felonies. Court records also list a misdemeanor allegation of driving while his license was canceled, suspended or revoked.

The stop followed a report of a hazardous or impaired driver at approximately 12:20 p.m. near The Ridge Coffee Shop on Arkansas 49. A caller reported that a red Hyundai SUV was traveling north and was “all over the road,” the affidavit states.

Brookland Police Chief Jon Moore was parked on the northbound shoulder just north of the School Street intersection when he saw a vehicle approaching from behind while riding the fog line, according to the affidavit. Moore moved farther onto the grass to give the vehicle more room.

As the SUV passed, Moore saw that it matched the description and license plate dispatch had provided. Its passenger-side tires were completely over the fog line, the affidavit alleges.

Moore initiated a traffic stop, and the driver pulled into Jordan’s/Subway. Arkansas State Police Trooper Nash Thomas arrived to assist.

Donahue provided his driver’s license, and officers determined that it was suspended, that he had a failure-to-appear warrant through Jonesboro and that he was on parole, according to the affidavit.

While Donahue was standing between the patrol vehicles, he allegedly removed a glass pipe containing suspected methamphetamine from his person and threw it onto the ground in an attempt to hide or destroy evidence.

Officers recovered the pipe and suspected methamphetamine, arrested Donahue and took him to the county jail, the affidavit states.

During the trip to jail, Donahue told Moore he threw the pipe because he knew about the warrant and knew he was going to jail, according to the affidavit.

Judge Thomas Fowler found probable cause Oct. 21 and set bond at $15,000 cash or surety, with GPS ankle monitoring required. Donahue was appointed a public defender and ordered to appear in Craighead County Circuit Court at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 23.

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