A Florida man who tried to flee police while transporting hundreds of pounds of drugs in Arkansas has been sentenced to life in prison.
On Sept. 23, 2024, Oklahoma Highway Patrol attempted to pull over 36-year-old Derrick Scudder of Miami. He sped into Arkansas, crashed near a school in Alma off Highway 64, and was arrested shortly afterward by Arkansas State Police.
Inside his vehicle, officers found more than 240 pounds of methamphetamine and over 2 pounds of fentanyl hidden in suitcases.
On Aug. 5, 2025, a Crawford County jury convicted Scudder of fentanyl trafficking, methamphetamine trafficking, and fleeing. He received life in prison for the fentanyl charge, 50 years for meth, and 30 years for fleeing — all to run consecutively.
Authorities said Scudder had over 10 prior felony convictions in other states.
“This conviction and sentence will save lives,” Crawford County Prosecutor Kevin Holmes said. “It sends a clear message that those who bring poison into our neighborhoods will be held responsible.”
Arkansas State Police Colonel Mike Hagar praised the “dedication and exceptional work” of law enforcement, saying the large-scale drug seizure likely prevented many deaths.
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