Mountain View police officers discovered a trap door used for escape purposes during a search of a residence belonging to a man wanted on warrants, according to Stone County Circuit Court documents.
Officers Cody Lee and Joseph Beaudin went to the 600 Oak St. residence of David Leland Smith, 34, who was wanted on two warrants. Smith’s wife, Melissa S. Smith, 36, answered the door and told the officers her husband was not at the house. However, after hearing noises from underneath the house, a search of the bedroom revealed a trapdoor that led to the crawlspace under the residence, according to the officers. Apparently, her husband was allegedly utilizing the space to escape, court documents state.
Melissa S. Smith was taken into custody and charged with one count of felony possession of drug paraphernalia (used for smoking methamphetamine), three counts of misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia (used for smoking marijuana), and one count of hindering apprehension.
An arrest warrant was issued for David L. Smith on one count of felony possession of drug paraphernalia, three misdemeanor counts of possession of drug paraphernalia and one misdemeanor count of fleeing. He is also being charged under the Habitual Offender Law having previously been convicted of four felonies. Each of the Smiths has had a bond set at $15,000.
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