Spencer Man Arrested on Multiple Charges in Cumberland Co.

Cumberland County sheriff’s deputies responded to a home on the 300 block of Brewer Road just after midnight Wednesday to find Robert Lee Howard, age 45, of Spencer, passed out at the wheel of a parked vehicle with its headlights on.

According to the arrest report, Howard appeared confused and had bloodshot eyes. And when being questioned by deputies, Howard “would doze back off” after every question.

Upon his exiting the vehicle at a deputy’s request, a glass pipe fell from Howard’s lap. When asked whether he had smoked anything that evening, Howard is reported to have replied, “just some meth.” He also said he thought he had some meth in his pocket.

A search of Howard’s person revealed a pouch containing a clear bag with 7.9 grams of a crystal substance that field tested positive for meth.

Additionally, a dispatch check indicated Howard’s license was suspended in Virginia.

Howard refused consent for a blood draw. Due to the suspect’s inability to stay conscious, no field-sobriety test was administered.

Howard was arrested for driving under the influence, driving on a suspended license and manufacture, delivery, sale or possession of methamphetamine. He was taken to Cumberland County jail and placed under $8,000 bond.

Howard has a court date of October 29.