The Howell County Sheriff’s Office arrested two people late Sunday night after a traffic stop on State Route AB led deputies to methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
According to probable cause statements, Deputy Kory Taylor stopped a green Chevrolet Camaro on February 22 after seeing it cross the center line. The driver, identified as Jennifer Renae Chandler of West Plains, granted consent for deputies to search the vehicle. During the stop, Deputy Stolba spoke with the passenger, Jerry Ray Puckett of Las Vegas, who allegedly provided a false name.
Deputies say a search of Puckett revealed a syringe containing residue that field‑tested positive for methamphetamine. A further search of the vehicle uncovered multiple bags of suspected methamphetamine hidden under interior trim near the passenger seat where Puckett had been sitting. When deputies attempted to detain him, Puckett reportedly ran but was caught after a short foot chase.
At the jail, Chandler told deputies she had been giving Puckett a ride to two residences where the occupants “wanted something,” and admitted she had previously purchased an “8‑ball” of methamphetamine from him. She also acknowledged ownership of a glass smoking device found in the vehicle, which later tested positive for methamphetamine.
During a post‑Miranda interview, Puckett allegedly admitted he sells enough methamphetamine to support his own habit. Deputies reported finding four pre‑portioned “8‑balls” in one of the bags recovered from the vehicle, which tested positive using a TruNarc device.
Puckett is charged with delivery of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. Chandler is charged with possession of a controlled substance.
