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Pair Caught Using Heroin Near School, Gulfport Police Say

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By STEPHEN THOMPSON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 22, 2008

GULFPORT - A man and a woman were found shooting up heroin Thursday morning in a parking lot next to Gulfport Elementary School, police said.

Heather Lynn Hale

After authorities received an anonymous tip, Officer Jason Motte found a 2002 BMW 325 in the parking lot of a McDonald's restaurant, according to the Gulfport Police Department.

As Motte approached the car, he saw a woman, later identified as Heather Lynn Hale, 31, put something in her mouth and hide syringes in her pants, police said. She and the driver, Mayur Patel, 31, said they were using heroin, police said.

They denied selling the drug to anyone and also said they didn't realize they were parked next to a school, police said.

Each was arrested and charged with possession of heroin within 1,000 feet of a school. Hale also was charged with tampering with evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Mayur Patel

Gulfport police will attempt to seize the BMW, they said.

Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.

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