On Friday, March 27, 2026, at approximately 4:26 p.m. (CST), the Columbia Police Department was dispatched to Burkesville Road in response to a reckless driver complaint.
Officers located the vehicle on Burkesville Road and made contact with the male driver. During the interaction, officers observed an open alcoholic beverage container inside the vehicle.
Police conducted Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and performed a search of the vehicle. During the search, officers reportedly discovered more than four ounces of suspected crystal methamphetamine, along with drug paraphernalia.
The driver, John Reuben Dodson, 47, of Louisville, Kentucky, was arrested at the scene and charged with the following offenses:
• Possession of Marijuana
• Illegal Possession of Legend Drug
• Following Another Vehicle Too Closely
• Careless Driving
• Operating a Motor Vehicle Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (189A.010(1D)-1ST)
• Failure to or Improper Signal
• Possession of Open Alcoholic Beverage Container in Motor Vehicle Prohibited
• Drug Paraphernalia (Buy/Possess)
• Trafficking in a Controlled Substance, 1st Degree, (2nd or >) — (> or = 2 grams of methamphetamine)
• Failure to Notify Address Change to Department of Transportation
Columbia Police Officer Trent Williams was the arresting officer and was assisted at the scene by Officer Elliot Smith and Adair County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Hunter Tweety.
The Columbia Police Department encourages the public to contact the Adair County 911 Dispatch Center if they suspect impaired drivers.
(Kila Kean – Columbia Police Department)