Newberry man Arrested After Attempt to Swallow Cocaine

NEWBERRY ‒ A 37-year-old Newberry man, Collen Courtney Brown, was arrested on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024, after an Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputy witnessed him allegedly attempting to swallow baggies of cocaine during a traffic stop.

The incident began at approximately 2 p.m. when a deputy conducted a stop on Brown’s vehicle after it reportedly failed to yield while exiting a private driveway, nearly causing a collision. The deputy also observed illegal tint on the car's front windshield.

The deputy reported that while he was attempting to catch up to Brown’s car, the car abruptly turned into a parking lot and made a U-turn. The deputy placed his patrol vehicle in front of Brown’s car, boxing it in.

Brown reportedly got out of his car, turned his back to the deputy and ‘chugged’ a bottle of water. While the deputy reportedly commanded him to step in front of his patrol vehicle, Brown allegedly ignored the commands, continued to “chug” water, and started sweating profusely, despite the cool weather.

After backup arrived, the deputies attempted to detain Brown because they believed he was attempting to swallow evidence. Brown allegedly pulled away, and deputies took him to the ground.

After the subject was handcuffed, he reportedly spit out two clear baggies containing a white substance that later tested positive for cocaine. In addition to about 2.2 grams of cocaine in the baggies, a search of Brown’s person reportedly produced 0.8 grams of marijuana.

Post Miranda, Brown reportedly declined to speak with deputies.

Brown was transported to a hospital to be treated for minor injuries, and he reportedly told a doctor that he’d had cocaine in his mouth before arriving at the hospital.

Brown has been charged with cocaine possession, tampering with evidence, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting an officer without violence.

Court records indicate Brown has a criminal history dating back to 2006, including at least three felony convictions and five misdemeanor convictions.

Judge Phillip Pena set Brown’s bail at $50,000. He remains in custody at the Alachua County Jail.

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