Florida Man Hides Meth In His Butt Cheeks After Hit And Run

A hit-and-run incident involving a paraplegic bicyclist led to the arrest of a Florida man and woman, who were found carrying methamphetamine, as per the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

Where Did This Happen?

The collision occurred near Sesame Boulevard at around 5:54 p.m., where a Ford hatchback reportedly hit the bicyclist, identified as Stephen Watkins, a former detention deputy at the Flagler County Sheriff’s Office. Watkins had been paralyzed from the chest down due to a staph infection contracted at work. He suffered minor injuries from the incident and was transported to a local hospital.

Tracking Down The Hit-and-Run and Run Suspects

Police tracked a Ford vehicle to a Palm Coast residence, believed to be the home of its owner, 35-year-old Andrew Croswell. However, his parents claimed he was not there.

Eventually, the deputies discovered the Ford on US-1 and stopped it. The driver was 48-year-old Clara Smith and Croswell was her passenger.

Andrew Croswell, 35 (left) and Clara Smith, 48 (right) (Flagler County Jail)

He Had WHAT In His WHERE!?

Croswell admitted he was driving when the car hit a cyclist, but stated he did not stop as he didn't realize he hit someone. Nonetheless, the vehicle bore damage corresponding to the incident. When asked about this damage, Croswell stated he had struck a curb.

A crystal-like substance was found in Smith's purse which was later confirmed to be methamphetamine. The police also found methamphetamine concealed on Croswell. As captured on body camera footage, he stated the substance was hidden between his buttocks. He can be seen trying to retrieve it while handcuffed.

In the footage, one of the deputies warns Croswell about the potential for police intervention in the removal of the substance, asking if he could manually reach it. Assisted by the deputies, Croswell was able to remove the substance which was subsequently confiscated by the investigators.

“Fleeing the scene of an accident is cowardly and illegal. In this case, the victim was a paralyzed man and a beloved member of the community and our team that was struck and left in the roadway,” Sheriff Rick Staly said. “I commend the witnesses that stopped and called for help and the team effort that caught his pathetic driver. I’m also glad that Stephen was not seriously injured.”

What Charges Are Both Suspects Facing?

Croswell is now facing charges including leaving the scene of a crash, possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and introducing contraband into an inmate facility. He is currently being held on an $8,000 bond.

Meanwhile, Smith faces charges of drug possession without a prescription, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possession of methamphetamine. She is held on a bond of $3,500.