Wreck leads to charges

HOT SPRINGS — A man involved in a wreck early Monday was arrested on felony charges after police say they found a stolen gun and methamphetamine in his possession.

Armontie Jamaul Dickens, 31, who lists a Spring Street address, was taken into custody shortly after 12:30 a.m. and charged with simultaneous possession of drugs and a firearm, punishable by up to life in prison; and possession of a controlled substance and theft by receiving of a firearm, each punishable by up to six years.

Dickens was being held without bail.

According to the probable cause affidavit, shortly after midnight Monday, police officers responded to a wreck at the Texas Roadhouse, 3623 Central Ave., where Officer Cody Rollins made contact with the driver of a white 2005 GMC Envoy involved in the crash.

The driver, later identified as Dickens, complained of an injury to his leg, and LifeNet personnel arrived to examine him. While the officers and medical personnel were talking with Dickens, he removed a small black handgun from a holster inside the vehicle and handed it to Rollins, saying he wanted the officer to be aware he had a firearm for protection.

Rollins took custody of the Smith and Wesson .380-caliber gun while the paramedics continued checking Dickens, who did not provide a concealed carry permit. A computer check revealed the gun had been reported stolen out of Desha County on Dec. 29, 2019, and that was later confirmed by the Dumas Police Department.

Officers and deputies say they found a prescription medication bottle in Dickens’ possession that contained 0.6 grams of what later tested positive for meth.