Deputies arrest Adrian Howell, 40, charged w/ possession of a controlled substance (cocaine) & Drug paraphernalia
Traffic stop leads to drug arrest
Sheriff’s files
STEVEN MROSS
The Sentinel-Record staff
A traffic stop on an illegal driver early Friday led to his arrest on felony drug charges after a Garland County Sheriff’s deputy allegedly found his hidden stash.
Adrian Devonte Howell, 40, who lists an address of 126 Noles St., was taken into custody shortly before 12:30 a.m. in the 3000 block of Albert Pike and charged with felony counts of possession of a controlled substance, cocaine, and possession of drug paraphernalia, each punishable by up to six years in prison, and misdemeanor counts of driving on a suspended license and no proof of insurance.
Howell, who is on probation from a 2011 felony conviction in Hot Springs, was later released on $5,500 bond and is set to appear Nov. 26 in Garland County District Court.
According to the affidavit, GCSD Deputy Matthew Wharton was on patrol when he spotted a white 1999 Honda Accord turning onto Albert Pike headed east and recognized the vehicle as one driven by Howell, whom he knew had a suspended license and no insurance from a traffic stop Monday.
After confirming it was Howell driving, he stopped the vehicle and asked Howell if he had started insurance or reinstated his license and Howell admitted he had not.
He had Howell exit the vehicle and asked if there was anything illegal on him or in his vehicle and he denied it and gave consent to search him and the car.
In searching the vehicle, Wharton reportedly found a butane torch and syringe with some type of residue inside a toiletry bag and several empty unused baggies in the center console.
Upon closer examination, Wharton noted the bottom panel of the console had pry marks on it and there was a small screwdriver inside the console that matched the pry marks.
The deputy used the screwdriver to pry up the panel and found a clear baggie containing .5 grams of what later tested positive for cocaine. Howell was taken into custody without incident.
Address/Location
Garland County Sheriff's Department
525 Ouachita Ave
Hot Springs, AR 71901
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 501-622-3660