A Hot Springs man involved in a wreck early Monday was arrested on felony charges after Hot Springs police allegedly found a stolen gun and meth 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, possession of a controlled substance, meth, and theft by receiving of a firearm, each punishable by up to six years.
Dickens was being held on a zero bond and was set to appear Monday in Garland County District Court.
According to the probable cause affidavit, shortly after midnight Monday, police officers responded to an injury 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 wreck.
The driver, later identified as Dickens, was complaining of an injury to his leg from the wreck and LifeNet personnel arrived to check on 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 Rollins to be aware he had a firearm for protection.
Rollins took custody of the gun, a Smith and Wesson .380-caliber handgun, 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.
After being cleared medically, Dickens was taken into custody and taken to the Garland County Detention Center for processing. While there, officers and deputies allegedly found a prescription medication bottle in his possession that contained 0.6 gram of what later tested positive for meth. Dickens reportedly also admitted it was meth.