A man was arrested and charged with three counts of marijuana and drug paraphernalia possession, including one of possession with intent to sell marijuana near an Apopka school, on Wednesday, January 11, after police stopped him for speeding in a school zone.
Rodney Lavon Thomas, 25, of South Highland Avenue in Apopka, was driving southbound at 36 mph on Park Avenue between Laurel Street and Votaw Road when he was stopped by a police officer, who was conducting a moving speed enforcement in front of Apopka Memorial Middle School on Park Avenue. The amber LED lights flashing in the school zone at the time indicated the speed limit was 20 mph.
The police officer approached Thomas’ red Ford Fiesta sedan and spoke to him when the officer immediately noticed the strong odor of unsmoked marijuana coming from the car. The officer asked Thomas to volunteer any marijuana he might have in his possession, but Thomas declined.
After searching Thomas, police found a small bag of marijuana in his pants pocket, which led them to search his car.
Police inspected the interior and trunk of his vehicle and his backpack. They discovered the following items which were placed in evidence: large and small quantities of suspected marijuana, plastic baggies, a black digital scale, a loaded Ruger LC-9 semi-automatic gun and a total of $1,325 in varying denominations.
The backpack, which had a yellow unknown pill and suspected marijuana residue, was submitted as evidence, as well as digital crime scene photos of all evidence.
Thomas was transported Apopka Police Department for processing, and later to the Orange County Jail.
