Police: Man arrested after trying to swallow drugs

CARUTHERSVILLE, Mo. -- A Caruthersville man faces charges after attempting to swallow a bag of crack cocaine to keep it from the hands of police.

Caruthersville police officers were called to the 400 block of East 14th Street on Tuesday evening following a report of shots fired. According to Caruthersville City Marshal Chris Riggs, as officers arrived on the scene they saw a car leaving the area by driving through a yard.

When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, two men fled on foot. As one of the men was arrested, Riggs said the suspect attempted to swallow a large plastic bag of crack cocaine.

Officers recovered the drugs and charged the 30-year-old suspect with possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and tampering with evidence. He was released from custody after posting a $70,000 bond.

During a search of the vehicle, a loaded handgun was found. "The gun was seized as evidence and will be sent to the Crime Lab for DNA analysis," Riggs said.

Pertinent address:

Caruthersville, MO