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Man Arrested On Drug Charges Following Traffic Stop

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By BRAD DICKERSON

Highlands Today

Published: October 31, 2008

Updated: 10/31/2008 07:31 pm

  Todd Packer

AVON PARK - A local man remained in the Highlands County Jail today on an $8,500 bond after being arrested Wednesday evening for allegedly fleeing the scene following a traffic stop.

Todd Bernard Packer, 48, of 322 E. Hal McRae Blvd., Avon Park, was charged with resisting an officer, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and driving on a suspended license, third offense.

Avon Park Police officers stopped Packer's Toyota utility vehicle after an inquiry on the tag showed it was expired as of April 21, according to the arrest report. The driver allegedly got out and starting running away from the scene once the stop was made.

The officer gave the subject "several verbal commands to stop," but Packer continued running and crossed Delaney Lane. More commands to stop were shouted, and police said they would use their Taser if the suspect did not cooperate.

Packer continued running and the officer fired his Taser, incapacitating the subject and causing him to fall to the ground, the report stated. He was handcuffed and placed under arrest without any other trouble.

Police were able to identify Packer from previous contact with law enforcement officials.

Once police had the suspect in custody, an inquiry was contacted on Packer's information, which revealed his driver's license was suspended as of June 10, 2008, for delinquent child support and he had an active warrant for failure to appear on a charge of possession of cannabis, according to the report.

Police report that a copper tube containing wire mesh was found under the driver's seat of the vehicle. A field test was performed and the mesh came back positive for the presence of cocaine.

APPD Officer Nathan Coogan made the arrest.

Brad Dickerson can be reached at 863-386-5838 or bdickerson@highlandstoday.com

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