A local man, Edward Thurman, faces several charges and was airlifted to the Regional Medical Center (The Med) in Memphis, Sunday, after police say he tried to eat a glass pipe commonly used for smoking meth.
According to a report from the Blytheville Police Department, officers stopped Thurman’s bicycle in the 600 block of East Main, noticing that he appeared to be nervous and distanced himself from police.
“When I asked Thurman if he minded if I checked for weapons or other contraband, Thurman began to empty his pockets,” the report reads. “I saw Thurman take out a glass pipe, commonly used for smoking methamphetamine, from his right pocket with his right hand. I then informed Thurman that he was being detained and placed Thurman in handcuffs. At that time Thurman no longer had the glass pipe in his hand. While officers were looking on the ground for the pipe and through the rest of his belongings, I heard a muffled crunch sound come from Thurman as he began to eat the glass pipe. I attempted to get Thurman to spit the object from his mouth and he began to cough up blood. I then called for Pafford to provide medical attention. While waiting for Pafford Thurman continued to cough up blood and glass. Thurman was then handcuffed in the front for medical reasons. When Pafford arrived, the handcuffs were removed for transport and for ease of providing medical attention. Pafford then transported Thurman to the Great River Medical Center emergency room for his injuries. Thurman was later airlifted to the Med in Memphis due to his injuries.”
The report said police found two scales on Thurman and a small baggy of meth in a black bag that Thurman had clinched in his left hand.
Thurman will be charged with possession of meth, tampering with physical evidence, and possession of an instrument of a crime.