Intoxicated driver caught with cocaine and AR-15 rifle sentenced to probation

Matthew A. Townsend of Underwood, Iowa, received a lenient sentence after a traffic stop revealed his intoxicated state and possession of illegal drugs and a deadly weapon.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A man who was found to be in possession of cocaine and an AR-15 rifle while intoxicated in York, Nebraska was sentenced to two years of probation this week in York County District Court. The incident occurred last July when the York County Sheriff's Office arrested the 'very intoxicated driver' near the York interchange after he had collided with another vehicle and failed to stop.

Why it matters

This case highlights concerns about repeat offenders and lenient sentencing for crimes involving drugs, firearms, and drunk driving, which can endanger public safety. It also raises questions about whether special laws or enforcement are needed to address the growing issue of intoxicated drivers in possession of deadly weapons.

The details

According to Sgt. Taylor Samek with the York County Sheriff's Office, deputies located the vehicle near the York interchange and performed a traffic stop. The driver, Matthew A. Townsend, was initially uncooperative but was taken into custody. Inside the vehicle, deputies found open alcohol containers, suspected cocaine, and a loaded AR-15 rifle with hundreds of rounds of ammunition. Townsend provided a roadside breath sample that recorded a blood alcohol content of .369, nearly five times the legal limit.

  • Last July, the York County Sheriff's Office arrested Townsend near the York interchange.
  • This week, Townsend was sentenced in York County District Court.

The players

Matthew A. Townsend

A 'very intoxicated driver' from Underwood, Iowa who was arrested for possession of cocaine, possession of a deadly weapon during the commission of a felony, and DUI.

Sgt. Taylor Samek

A sergeant with the York County Sheriff's Office who provided details about the incident and arrest.

York County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that arrested Townsend after receiving a report of his erratic driving and collision.

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What they’re saying

“Deputies were dispatched to a transfer call from another agency regarding a motorist who was tailgating and had collided with the back of another vehicle. The reporting party remained on the phone and relayed information to York County Communications about the suspect's driving behavior on Interstate 80.”

— Sgt. Taylor Samek, Sergeant, York County Sheriff's Office (justmelaniew.com)

“The suspect did not stop after the collision and continued driving, eventually into York County. A York County deputy located the vehicle near the York interchange and was able to perform a traffic stop. Upon contacting the driver, the deputy immediately suspected the driver was under the influence of alcohol.”

— Sgt. Taylor Samek, Sergeant, York County Sheriff's Office (justmelaniew.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Townsend to serve his jail time in 30-day stints that can be waived if he complies with the terms of his probation.

The takeaway

This case highlights concerns about repeat offenders and lenient sentencing for crimes involving drugs, firearms, and drunk driving, which can endanger public safety. It raises questions about whether special laws or enforcement are needed to address the growing issue of intoxicated drivers in possession of deadly weapons.