While assisting Trooper Brandon Cook with an April 16 traffic stop on Arkansas Highway 69 east of Melbourne, a suspect substance was found in a vehicle occupied by Kirk A. Hutchison, age 47 of Jay Street. The suspect substance did not test positive as an illegal substance.  However, a white crystal type substance was discovered, after Hutchison was released from custody, in the back seat of an Izard County Sheriff’s patrol car transporting Hutchison to the Izard County Sheriff’s Office.  Members of the 16^th Judicial District Drug Task Force, while assisting Izard County authorities, determined the substance found in the back seat to be  methamphetamine.  A warrant was issued charging Hutchison with possession with the intent to deliver methamphetamine, a class “a” felony and tampering with physical evidence, a class “d” felony. Hutchison has yet to be arrested as his whereabouts have not been determined.  Sheriff Tate Lawrence requests anyone having knowledge of his whereabouts to contact Investigator Charles Melton at 780 368 4201.

News Release, For Immediate Release, April 22, 2013, POC: Sheriff Tate Lawrence, 870 368 4203