Butler Man Allegedly Caught With Heroin, Drug Paraphernalia Following Motor Vehicle Stop

A motor vehicle stop of a Butler man for apparent careless driving on Interstate 287 last Thursday night led to the alleged discovery of heroin inside the man's pickup truck, Bernards Township Police said.

Damien Edwards, 33, the driver of the truck, was charged with possession of heroin, possession of a controlled dangerous substance in a motor vehicle, possession of a syringe, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving while intoxicated, careless driving and driving unregistered vehicle, according to police.

On Feb. 9 at about 7:50 p.m., police said Lt. Stephen Elder observed a 2003 Chevy pickup truck allegedly swerving from lane to lane while traveling south on I-287 South near the Mount Airy Road exit. 

After conducting a motor vehicle stop, Elder asked Edwards for his driving credentials, and at that time observed that the man's face was pale, alleged his movements were slow and fumbling, and that his speech was allegedly slurred, police said. When questioned by the officer, Edwards denied consuming alcohol, according to police.

Elder then asked Edwards to exit the vehicle to perform psycho-physical tests, police said. According to the officer, Edwards did not perform the tests in an acceptable manner and had difficulty maintaining his balance.

Police said Elder suspected that Edwards was allegedly under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance and placed the man under arrest. Edwards allegedly consented to a search of his vehicle after being taken into custody, police said.

Elder's search of the vehicle allegedly turned up six wax folds of suspected heroin, and two hypodermic needles, police said. A metal cap and cotton filter, items commonly used to prepare heroin for injection, also were found inside the truck, according to the police report.

Police said Edwards was transported to police headquarters, where charges were processed and he was released on his own recognizance.