Jonesboro police officers arrested Robert L. Carter after a traffic stop on Poplar Street escalated into a physical confrontation involving a Taser, a police dog and hand‑to‑hand force.
Traffic stop and escalation
Officer Chaffin initiated the stop of Carter’s red Chevrolet Cruze in the 600 block of Poplar Street after the driver failed to signal a turn from South Culberhouse Drive. Carter was instructed to stay in the vehicle, but he later exited and reached into the center console, prompting the officer to detain him.
According to the probable‑cause affidavit, Carter appeared to tense up, refused to give the officer his hands and raised his arms as if he might strike. When Carter attempted to flee, Officer Chaffin deployed a Taser, causing Carter to fall.
K‑9 unit involvement
Officer Martin arrived with a police dog and warned Carter that the dog would be released if he did not comply. When Carter continued to resist, the dog was deployed. The affidavit alleges Carter fought the dog, and Officer Martin struck Carter in the face with a closed fist to stop the struggle. The dog was then removed and Carter was handcuffed.
Search and evidence
After Carter was secured, the K‑9 alerted to a scent during an exterior sniff of the vehicle. A search uncovered a sock on the passenger seat containing two bags of suspected methamphetamine weighing about 15.03 grams and 2.77 grams. Digital scales with a white residue, three cellphones, and approximately 2.16 grams of suspected marijuana were also found.
Charges and court proceedings
Carter faces a Class A felony charge for possessing methamphetamine with intent to deliver, a Class B felony for drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor charges for marijuana possession, resisting arrest, fleeing, driving on a suspended license and failing to signal. Judge David Boling set bail at $200,000 cash or surety and scheduled a next appearance for December 16.
Carter was taken to St. Bernards Hospital for treatment of his injuries before being transferred to the Craighead County Detention Center.
Legal presumption
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
