The Columbia Police Department initiated a traffic stop early Saturday morning on Hwy. 61 (Burkesville Street) just after 3:00amCT. During the duration of the stop, K9 Unit Nitro from the Adair County Sheriff’s Office was deployed and alerted on the vehicle. A search yielded findings of suspected methamphetamine and the male operator, identified as 29-year-old Matthew Stapleton of Columbia, KY was taken into custody.
After arriving at the Adair County Regional Jail, the arresting officer observed Mr. Stapleton chewing and quickly swallowing an unknown object as he was being taken out of the cruiser. Adair EMS was called to the scene and Stapleton was taken to TJ Health Columbia for observation before being released and transported back to the Adair County Regional Jail.
Stapleton has been charged with Careless Driving, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Tampering with Physical Evidence.
Officer Justin Cross made the arrest. He was assisted on scene by Officer Trevor Foster and Deputy Chandler Staten.