Affidavit: Suspect attempted to scatter nearly 150 grams of meth while running from police after I-555 chase

Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – A man faces multiple felonies after police said he led officers on a high-speed chase that ended with a crash, leading to a foot chase in an attempt to dispose of nearly 150 grams of meth.

District Judge Tommy Fowler found probable cause Jan. 16 to charge 29-year-old Drekerious Jamerille Warren, of Helena, AR, with the following:

Class Y Felony: Trafficking a controlled substance
Class Y Felony: Delivery of meth or cocaine greater than 10 grams but less than 200 grams
Class C Felony: Use of a communication device
Class D Felony: Fleeing
Class C Misdemeanor: Fleeing
Class B Misdemeanor: Resisting arrest – refusal to submit to arrest/active or passive refusal
Class A Felony: Possession of meth or cocaine with the purpose to deliver greater than 10 grams but less than 200 grams
Class D Felony: Tampering with physical evidence – obstruct prosecution/defense felony
Class D Felony: Possession of drug paraphernalia

According to the affidavit, on Jan. 13, Special Agent Rick Guimond with the Second Judicial District Drug Task Force, along with Sergeant Rockey Rapert with Arkansas State Police (ASP), stopped a Malibu driven by Warren at Parker Road and Woodsprings Road for failing to signal properly. Guimond said he knew Warren had felony warrants for his arrest at the time.

When the men exited the ASP unit, Warren drove at high speed. Arkansas State Trooper Tommy Fitzgerald, who was sitting on Woodsprings Road, conducted a tactical vehicle intervention (TVI) to stop Warren, which was successful, disabling the vehicle. Guimond said Warren then got out and ran toward Interstate 555 with a baggie in his hand as several officers followed.

The affidavit said that Warren eventually gave up and went to the ground, but as officers attempted to arrest him, he began reaching under his body and disobeyed commands to place his hands behind his back. Believing Warren was armed, officers tased him and regained control of his hands to place him into custody.

Guimond said Warren was found to have two baggies under his body on the ground that appeared to contain meth residue. The baggie that was seen by officers initially appeared to have been torn, and its contents were dumped on the ground.

A search of the area Warren ran through was conducted, resulting in 149 grams of meth being recovered. Guimond said it was believed the baggie had over 149 grams, but the remainder was unable to be found.

Warren is being held in the Craighead County Detention Center on a $150,000 cash-only bond. Upon release, he must wear a GPS ankle monitor.

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