An Oregon County man is facing multiple charges after deputies say he admitted to possessing methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and two firearms — one of which was reported stolen — according to a probable cause statement filed Thursday.
Deputy James Martin wrote that on April 8, the sheriff’s office received a call about an armed man who appeared to be under the influence at a residence in Thayer. The man, identified as Joseph K. Combs, later walked to a nearby motel, where deputies contacted him.
Combs “had a firearm on his side in a holster” and appeared impaired, the statement says.
After being read his Miranda rights, Combs reportedly admitted to using meth and told deputies he had meth inside the apartment.
He handed over “two black packages which contained glass pipes with residue,” which later tested positive for methamphetamine.
Deputies say Combs also surrendered two pistols. One — a Springfield 9mm Hellcat — was confirmed stolen out of Thayer under case number THG230000.
A search of the residence, which Combs consented to, turned up additional suspected drugs, including hydrocodone pills for which he did not have a prescription. Combs also told deputies he had recently smoked meth and estimated he had possessed “maybe 4 grams or so earlier.”
Combs was taken into custody, the firearm was test‑fired and found operable, and all evidence was secured. He is charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a controlled substance. His bond is set at $25,000.
