Search Warrants Lead to Arrests

ARKANSAS CITY, KS — (JUNE 30, 2023) On June 25, 2023, at 11:02 a.m., Arkansas City police officers went to 1211 S. 4th St. to attempt to locate a wanted subject. The Arkansas City District Court warrant listed charges of three counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute hydrocodone, two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, and three counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Owen Michael Meeks, age 43, of Arkansas City, was listed on the warrant. He opened the door and was seen by officers; however, Meeks immediately slammed the door and refused to come out of the residence.

A search warrant was applied for and granted by Cowley County District Court. Upon service of the warrant, Meeks was taken into custody. He was also found to have an active warrant through Kay County, Oklahoma, for unlawful possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute (felony) and domestic abuse. He was transported to the Cowley County jail on a bond of $52,000 in connection with the active warrants and interference with a law enforcement officer.

Later that day, at 4:14 p.m., officers went to 301 N. B St. to check on another wanted subject. Officers attempted contact with Richard Norman Smyer, age 42, of Arkansas City.

Officers developed probable cause that a drug violation was occurring, and a smoking device was seen in plain view from a window of the residence. Verbal contact was made with a subject within the residence; however, he stopped responding to officers and refused to come to the door.

A search warrant was applied for and granted through Cowley County District Court. Upon service of the search warrant, Smyer was located within the residence. Also found during the search were substances believed to be methamphetamine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia.

Smyer was arrested and transported to the Cowley County Jail on a Winfield Municipal Warrant and possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and interference with a law enforcement officer. He is currently being held on a $5,631.50 bond.

A court of law determines a suspect's guilt or innocence.

If you have questions or concerns about this or any ACPD press releases, please contact Police Chief Eric Burr at (620) 441-6601 or email him at eburr@arkcity.org.