Thursday night Bainbridge Public Safety officer Jayson Myers was patrolling the Rivers Apartments area, after receiving numerous complaints about loitering and illegal narcotics when he noticed a 2017 Toyota Camry occupied by four subjects parked in a parking spot.

Officer Myers pulled in front of the vehicle and illuminated it with his flashlight. While illuminating the vehicle, Officer Myers immediately recognized the driver; Ira Florence Jr. Myers had arrested Florence in the past for drug related charges. Myers then exited the vehicle and made contact with Florence on the driver side. While approaching Florence, Myers noticed a marijuana blunt in Florence’s lap. He then radioed for backup after taking the blunt away from Florence.

Investigator Chris Avery and Officer Davina Evans then arrived on scene to assist Myers. Myers asked Florence if he had any other marijuana on him. Florence replied he had a little bit in his pocket. Myers instructed Florence to step out of the vehicle. During the search of Florence, Myers found a bag in Florence’s right pocket that contained 34 Ecstasy tablets and 29 Alprazolam tablets.

Myers then searched Florence’s left pocket where he found two bags of suspected marijuana. Myers placed Florence under arrest and then searched his vehicle. During the vehicle search, Myers found a small bag in the driver’s door that contained six bags of cocaine. In the trunk of Florence’s vehicle, Myers found three children’s scooters that are believed to have been stolen from Walmart.

Florence was transported to BPS for booking and charged with possession of marijuana, possession of ecstasy with intent, possession of a schedule four substance with intent and possession of cocaine with intent.

Bainbridge Public Safety Officers would like to encourage citizens to report any suspicious activity by calling BPS Headquarters at 229-248-2038.  There is also an “Anonymous Crime Tip” service available on the City of Bainbridge website:  http://www.bainbridgecity.com/egov/apps/action/center.egov?view=form;page=1;id=9