Batesville Police Officer Rick King was on regular patrol in the area of the boat launch ramp on Riverbank Road at the White River Thursday, Sept. 19, when he noticed two vehicles parked off the asphalt in a partially wooded area.
According to the incident report, a female driver was in one vehicle along with a male passenger. The female was questioned as to why they were parked in the area. As that was going on, the male passenger, identified as Cortlen Ray Rounds (pictured), 27, of Batesville, got out of the vehicle.
King said Rounds began to walk toward his vehicle, telling the officer he wanted to “put his money in the vehicle.” King noted he observed Rounds holding several currency bills and a plastic baggie resembling those used in illegal drug activity.
When King told Rounds to not go to the vehicle, Rounds refused to follow King’s instructions, according to the report. Rounds then began to resist, throwing the items in his hand toward the female, telling her to “get rid of it,” the report said.
Rounds was then placed on the ground by King and detained. King then started examining the items thrown toward the female and noted he found a plastic baggie containing methamphetamine, another containing marijuana, and a set of digital scales. The officer also located $2,020 in counterfeit U. S. currency, the report noted.
Rounds is now facing charges including forgery in the first degree, tampering with physical evidence, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor resisting arrest. He has been placed on a $40,000 bond.
Image via Independence County Sheriff’s Department
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. and Ozark Newsline on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also broadcast weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and 99.5 Hits Now. If you have a news tip or event to promote, email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow White River Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Page 2
Batesville narcotics investigator, Dillon Sallas, filed charges on Rounds which included: 1) Forgery in the first degree 2) Tampering with physical evidence 3) possession of methamphetamine 4) possession of drug paraphernalia and 5) misdemeanor resisting arrest.
A warrant was issued for Rounds arrest, and he has been placed on a $40,000 bond.
