Traffic Stop Ends With Taser, Police Dog and Drug Charges

JONESBORO, Ark. — Officers used a Taser, a police dog and punches to arrest a driver during an Oct. 27 traffic stop that led to felony drug allegations, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Robert L. Carter faces allegations of possessing methamphetamine with the purpose to deliver, possessing drug paraphernalia, possessing marijuana, resisting arrest, fleeing, driving on a suspended license and failing to use a turn signal, according to first appearance paperwork.

The affidavit states that Jonesboro Officer Chaffin stopped a red Chevrolet Cruze in the 600 block of Poplar Street after the driver turned from South Culberhouse Drive without signaling.

Carter initially tried to get out of the car and was told to remain inside, according to the affidavit. The officer later had him get out. When Carter asked to retrieve something from the car, the officer allowed him to do so but reported seeing him reach into the center console and handle what appeared to be a sock.

The affidavit states that Chaffin tried to direct Carter out of the car, grabbed both of his arms and told him he was being detained. Police allege Carter tensed up, refused to give the officer his hands and raised his arms as though he might swing at the officer.

Chaffin pushed Carter to create distance, and Carter ran, according to the affidavit. The officer used a Taser, and Carter fell to the ground.

Police allege Carter continued to resist and disregard commands. Officer Martin arrived with a police dog, and Carter was warned the dog would be released if he did not comply, according to the affidavit.

Martin then deployed the dog. The affidavit alleges Carter fought the dog and states that Martin struck Carter in the face with a closed fist to stop him from doing so. Officers removed the dog and handcuffed Carter.

After Carter was in custody, the dog alerted during an exterior sniff of the car, according to the affidavit. A search turned up a sock on the passenger seat containing two bags of suspected methamphetamine weighing about 15.03 grams and 2.77 grams.

Officers also reported finding digital scales with a white substance on them between the passenger seat and center console, along with three cellphones throughout the car. Police said Carter had about 2.16 grams of suspected marijuana on him.

Carter was taken to St. Bernards for treatment of his injuries, then transferred to the Craighead County Detention Center after he was released from the hospital, according to the affidavit.

First appearance paperwork lists the methamphetamine allegation as a Class A felony and the drug paraphernalia allegation as a Class B felony. The marijuana, resisting arrest and fleeing allegations are misdemeanors.

Judge David Boling found probable cause Oct. 28 and set bail at $200,000 cash or surety. Carter’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 16, according to the court paperwork.

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