BA youth coach jailed in meth case
BY KENDRICK MARSHALL World Staff Writer
Thursday, November 22, 2012
11/22/12 at 5:09 AM
BROKEN ARROW - A Broken Arrow youth wrestling coach was arrested Tuesday evening after police said he was found in possession of methamphetamine while with his two young children.
Eric Paul Hopkins, 31, was booked into the Tulsa Jail early Wednesday on complaints of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with an intent to distribute, possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony, and unlawful use of a surveillance camera while in the commission of a felony, jail records show. His bail is set at $25,000.
Broken Arrow police were on their way to Hopkins' home to serve a search warrant when they saw him at a convenience store in the 3600 block of South Elm Place about 10:40 p.m. Tuesday, according to an arrest report.
Hopkins had a knife and a black pouch that held four sandwich bags containing various amounts of a crystal substance that tested positive for methamphetamine, and he was arrested, the report says.
Police later served the search warrant and found a camera system on the outside of Hopkins' house along with monitors in the garage and a bedroom, the report says.
They also discovered numerous methamphetamine pipes, small plastic bags and digital scales, the report says. Police also reported finding three firearms in Hopkins' bedroom.
Hopkins had worked as a youth wrestling coach at the Broken Arrow Takedown Club for the nearly three years, according to club spokesman John Cockrell.
"I was made aware of the arrest of Eric Hopkins today and am truly saddened, disappointed, and angry about this unfortunate situation," Cockrell said in a statement.
"The coaches are expected to be role models and provide a safe learning environment for our youth. We have a diversified group of wrestlers and coaches in our club and it is very disappointing that they now have to deal with this selfish act."
Hopkins has been fired as a result of his arrest, Cockrell said.
Kendrick Marshall 918-581-8386
kendrick.marshall@tulsaworld.com
Associated Images:
Eric Paul Hopkins: He was booked into the Tulsa Jail early Wednesday on complaints of possession of a controlled dangerous substance with an intent to distribute, possession of a firearm while in the commission of a felony, and unlawful use of a surveillance camera while in the commission of a felony, jail records show. His bail is set at $25,000
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