A Batesville man has been arrested at Casey’s General Store in Batesville, Arkansas.
It all started when a Batesville police officer noticed a man in Casey’s General Store in Batesville. After approaching him, not only did the man have active police warrants. But evidence tampering was also reported by the officer.
Arrest Made At Casey’s In Batesville, Arkansas
According to case files, on February 16, 2025, Batesville Police Officer Samuel Stone arrested Hugh James Stiles, 50, at Casey’s General Store.
After Officer Stone recognized the man, he used a radio to confirm with dispatch that there was an active warrant for the Stiles. So the officer confronted Stiles.
While attempting to pump gas, Stiles provided only his middle name before finally handing over his ID. A brown bag found in his coat pocket reportedly contained methamphetamine residue, plastic baggies, and a smoking device.
After placing Stiles in the patrol unit, Officer Stone noticed him shifting around in the backseat. A search revealed methamphetamine and a torn baggie in the inmate compartment, which tested positive using a Nartec kit.
A search of the flatbed truck Stiles was using turned up no additional contraband. The vehicle’s registered owner later arrived and took possession of it.
During booking at Independence County Jail, jailers found the missing half of the torn baggie with methamphetamine residue. Stiles was served his warrant and held for processing.
Back at the Batesville Police Department, Officer Stone collected the methamphetamine, weighing 1.2 grams total. All evidence was logged for the case.
On February 20, 2025, a magistrate reviewed the affidavit and found probable cause for Stiles’ arrest. He now faces charges including possession of a controlled substance, tampering with evidence, and possession of drug paraphernalia, all Class D felonies.
Please note: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
