VALLEY CITY, N.D. (Valley News Live) – A Valley City man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he climbed onto a garage roof using a trash can, damaged the gutters, and attempted to dispose of drug paraphernalia.

Matthew Scott Hough, of Valley City, was arrested April 6 after Valley City Police responded to a report of a suspicious male in the alley behind 240 5th Ave. NE, near the Sheyenne Condos. Court documents say that the HOA president told police a man was using a trash can to climb onto the roof of the condo’s garage, causing damage to the rain gutters.

When officers located Hough, a pat-down search revealed a syringe with liquid residue and a small plastic baggie with a crystal-like substance. According to court documents, an officer identified the substance as crystal methamphetamine based on training and experience. A blue glasses case found inside a nearby storm drain contained a small baggie of marijuana and three glass smoking devices. Police say Hough kicked the bag, which held the glasses case, into the drain during his arrest.

Hough is charged with felony drug paraphernalia possession, felony tampering with evidence, and two counts of criminal mischief. Court records show Hough has prior felony convictions for drug paraphernalia possession in Barnes County from 2020 and 2023.

Hough made his initial appearance via Zoom on April 7 before a judge. A fitness-to-proceed evaluation was ordered for Hough to take. A preliminary hearing and arraignment is scheduled for May 21, 2026.