Man who dropped meth during field sobriety test gets three years in prison

A man who accidentally dropped a small bag of methamphetamine in front of police officers last year pleaded guilty Tuesday shortly before jury selection was to begin in his case.

Donald Mack Tussey, 50, received a three-year prison sentence, which will be followed by three years’ suspended imposition of sentence. If Tussey violates the law during the three years following his release from prison, he could be ordered to spend additional time behind bars.

Tussey was attempting to remove his boots to perform a field sobriety test when the bag of meth flew out of his boot and landed on the ground in full view of a Miller County Sheriff’s Office deputy’s patrol car dash camera. A homeowner in the 1700 block of Highway 160 in Miller County called 911 to report seeing a Chevrolet truck repeatedly circle his residence April 4, 2016, according to a probable cause affidavit used to create the following account.

“The prosecuting attorney’s office appreciates the cooperation of Miller County residents like these who help keep our community safe,” said Deputy Prosecuting Attorney David Cotten.

Before deputies with the Miller County Sheriff’s Office arrived, they were advised by emergency dispatchers that the homeowner had the truck’s driver out of his pickup on the homeowner’s property.

Tussey’s eyes were blood shot and his speech was slurred when deputies began to question him. Tussey claimed his wallet, identification and his other car had been stolen and that he was looking for a spot to park his truck. Tussey also told officers he knew someone who lived in the area but was unable to give the name of his friend.

“Mr. Tussey was mumbling when he spoke and had to be asked several times to repeat his answers,” the affidavit states.

When asked if he’d been drinking, Tussey allegedly admitted to consuming several mixed drinks and Klonipin, a prescription tranquilizer, earlier in the day.

When deputies advised Tussey they wanted him to perform field sobriety tests, Tussey allegedly asked to remove his boots, “because they made him clumsy.”

“Mr. Tussey was unable to maintain his balance and on the third attempt to remove his boots, a white plastic baggy fell out of one of his boots,” the affidavit states.

Tussey had been free on a $50,000 bail bond. He is now in the Miller County jail awaiting transport to the Arkansas Department of Correction.

llarowe@texarkanagazette.com