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BUCKHANNON – An Upshur County man is facing charges after an officer allegedly found him to be in the possession, and under the influence, of Xanax while driving.
Matthew Edward Summerfield-Duke, 30, is charged with one count of possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, a felony, and one count of driving under the influence of a controlled substance, a misdemeanor. He is currently being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail on a $15,000 cash-only bond for the felony charge and a $5,000 surety/cash bond for the misdemeanor.
According to the two criminal complaints filed by Patrolman D. Major with the Buckhannon City Police Department, on Oct. 17, the officer was patrolling the streets of Buckhannon when he observed a vehicle driving on Route 20 South, making a right turn onto Buckhannon Cross Roads.
Major observed that the vehicle did not have any working taillights and he initiated a traffic stop, the complaint states. The vehicle’s registration came back to Summerfield-Duke and the driver was identified as him as well.
As Major explained why he pulled him over, Summerfield-Duke reportedly asked if he could get out and see the taillights. Once he was out of the vehicle, Major asked Summerfield-Duke if there was anything inside the vehicle that should not be. Summerfield-Duke allegedly said, “There should not be,” but then stated “maybe a Xanax bar.”
While searching the vehicle, Major reportedly located four full white Xanax bars, multiple broken/divided up Xanax bars and clear zip baggies, the complaint states. The approximate weight of the full bars was 1.16 grams and the approximate weight of the broken bars was 0.45 grams.
Summerfield-Duke allegedly showed signs of impairment while speaking with Major, the complaint states. He was reportedly “erratic, confused” while also having “drowsiness and droopy eyelids.” Major asked Summerfield-Duke when was the last time he used Xanax and Summerfield-Duke allegedly advised it had been earlier that morning.
Major conducted the Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE) tests on Summerfield-Duke, and reportedly observed Summerfield-Duke to show “numerous signs of impairment.” Summerfield-Duke also allegedly consented to a blood test which was taken at St. Joesph’s Hospital, the complaint states.
A preliminary hearing for Summerfield-Duke has been scheduled for Friday in Upshur County Magistrate Court.