Izard County man faces multiple charges after scuffle with state trooper

According to the affidavit for warrant of arrest for 63-year-old David Pettit, on July 29 Johnson spotted a truck driven by Pettit traveling at a slow late of speed with a rear taillight out.

Johnson turned around to conduct a traffic stop but had lost sight of Pettit’s vehicle but soon spotted the truck pulling into a driveway.

Johnson initiated the stop and pulled into the driveway and as he began to exit his vehicle, Pettit also exited and was instructed to show his hands to the trooper.

Johnson made an introduction and asked if Pettit had any weapons on his person. After being told no, Johnson conducted a pat down and retrieved a folding buck knife.

Pettit was anxious, uneasy and uncooperative during the interaction. He also had an Altoids container in his opposite pant pocket which he pretended could not be opened and was later found to contain methamphetamine.

Pettit was told to stand at the rear of his vehicle while Johnson cleared the truck but while clearing the vehicle, Johnson noticed Pettit had taken his hands down and was reaching down toward the ground. Johnson drew his service weapon but found Pettit was no t holding anything but was messing with his left pant pocket. Pettit pulled a vape pen from his pocket and was asked a second time what was in the Altoids can.

Pettit then ran his hand over his pockets and bend up and down and stated that he used the container to carry his medical marijuana.

When reminded medical marijuana must remain in its original container, Pettit said he didn’t like carrying it around and when asked to produce his medical marijuana card, Pettit instead took off walking down the passenger side of his truck.

Johnson grabbed hold of Pettit who began to physically resist and disobey orders. He was then warned multiple times to stop resisting before being tased twice.

A struggle ensured and Pettie continued to ignore his Johnson’s commands and kick his legs and was then punched but was eventually placed in restraints. Jonson contacted his supervisor to report the use of force and removed the taser prongs from Pettit’s back.

Johnson then retrieved the Altoids tin that Pettit had discarded in the grass and it was found to contain methamphetamine.

At this time, Izard County Deputies Caden Wolfe and Stone Runyan arrived to assist in placing Pettit into the patrol unit to be transported to the Izard County Detention Center and assist in completing a search of Pettit’s vehicle.

Multiple items of drug paraphernalia were found in a black bag located in the front passenger seat as well as a loaded Taurus 9mm.

EMS arrived on scene to check Pettit, however he refused medical attention and transported to the Izard County Detention Center.

As a result, Pettit has been charged with simultaneous possession of drugs and firearms, a class Y felony; possession of a controlled substance, schedule II a class D felony; possession of drug paraphernalia; possession of a schedule VI controlled substance and resisting arrest. Bond for Pettit was set at $50,000 and he has since bonded out.