Butler deputies Taser man during meth arrest

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- Deputies Tasered a suspect at the Butler County, Missouri, Jail after he pulled a bag of suspected methamphetamine from his rectum Monday, attempted to swallow it and then assaulted deputies trying to save him from an overdose.

In addition to the possession of a controlled substance charge that originally landed him in jail, Joshua L. Holderfield, 29, of Bloomfield, Missouri, faces a charge of third-degree assault on law enforcement.

According to reports, Holderfield was being held after the discovery of drugs during a traffic stop early Monday at Business 60 near Sportsman Park. Poplar Bluff police found marijuana in the vehicle and pills and a syringe in his possession during the ensuing search.

Holderfield was arrested, placed in custody and taken to the jail for booking. Upon arrival at the jail, corrections officers escorted Holderfield to the shower/rest room area for a strip search.

Minutes later, deputies heard the corrections officer cry out for help, and they ran to the area.

Deputies responding to the shower saw the officer trying to restrain Holderfield. The officer told deputies Holderfield "had put a bag of meth in his mouth that he had taken out of his (rectum)," according to reports.

Knowing Holderfield's life could be in danger if he swallowed the drugs, officers tried to keep him from doing so. As they tried to restrain him, he continued to resist, at one point pushing an officer in the chest.

Deputies delivered a stun to Holderfield's shoulder. Holderfield spat out the suspected meth and complied with instructions. The bag was placed into evidence.

Pertinent address:

Poplar Bluff, Mo.