A routine traffic stop for a defective tag light in the early hours of June 3, 2025, led to the discovery of approximately 149 grams of suspected methamphetamine and the arrest of one man on drug distribution charges.
At around 2:13 AM, an Atoka Police officer, on patrol northbound on Highway 69 near 5th Street, observed a silver Hyundai with a nonfunctioning tag light and initiated a traffic stop. The vehicle pulled into the private drive of Daniel Express Lube.
Upon approaching the vehicle, the officer detected a strong odor of marijuana. The driver was identified as Doyle Franklin Coleman, with Amanda Jo Riggins in the front passenger seat and Kevin Dewayne Riggins lying in the back. Mr. Coleman provided his driver's license, and Ms. Riggins presented proof of insurance via her cell phone.
After running their information and requesting backup from Officer Blackwood, the initial officer returned to the vehicle and informed the occupants about the marijuana odor, asking if there were any illegal substances present. All occupants initially denied possessing illegal items.
A probable cause search of the vehicle was initiated. During the search, a torch was found in the center console and a marijuana roach on the passenger seat. In the back driver’s side passenger area, a bag containing a white crystal substance consistent with methamphetamine and a medical marijuana container with marijuana were discovered.
During this time, Officer Blackwood had to repeatedly instruct Mr. Riggins to step back from the vehicle due to his behavior. As a result of the behavior and the location of the narcotics, Mr. Riggins was placed in handcuffs for detainment.
The search extended to the trunk, where a Ziploc bag containing four smaller bags of a white crystal substance, also consistent with methamphetamine, was located.
Upon questioning, about the methamphetamine, Mr. Riggins requested to speak privately with the officer. After being read his Miranda rights, he admitted he was paid to transport Mr. Coleman and the methamphetamine to Poteau, Oklahoma. He claimed ownership of the marijuana but stated the methamphetamine belonged to Mr. Coleman.
The officer then informed all occupants that if no one claimed ownership of the contraband, all would be arrested. At that point, Mr. Riggins claimed ownership of the methamphetamine. Mr. Coleman stated he was paid to drive Mr. and Mrs. Riggins to Poteau but denied any knowledge of the methamphetamine. Both Mr. Coleman and Mrs. Riggins provided written statements.
Kevin Dewayne Riggins was subsequently arrested on suspicion of possession of a controlled dangerous substance (methamphetamine) with intent to distribute. He was transported to the Atoka County Jail. The seized marijuana weighed approximately 5 grams, and the white crystal substance, which field tested positive for methamphetamine at the Atoka Police Department, weighed approximately 149 grams.
