Arkansas PBS executive arrested after traffic stop over suspected meth possession

In Little Rock, a senior public affairs official with Arkansas PBS was arrested after a routine traffic stop that escalated when authorities allegedly discovered suspected methamphetamine, according to police.

Michael Hibblen, who serves as Director of Public Affairs at the state-run network, was pulled over by deputies on Interstate 40 in Pulaski County for driving at 80 mph in a 60 mph zone, according to the New York Post.

The police report shows that Hibblen agreed to a search of his vehicle and police found “crystal-like shards” in the cupholder that they suspected to be methamphetamine. The substance was sent to the Arkansas Crime Lab for further testing, the New York Post reported.

Hibblen was booked into Pulaski County Jail and faces charges including speeding and possession of a Schedule II controlled substance — a Class D felony under Arkansas law. His vehicle was impounded by the sheriff’s office. 

Arkansas PBS confirmed that Hibblen was placed on suspended leave without pay pending a personnel review, saying that the situation is “a personnel matter that this agency takes seriously.”