LAKELAND, Fla. – A 34-year-old Lakeland man faces several felony and misdemeanor charges after an early morning encounter with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).
David Paul Evans was arrested at approximately 4:13 am on Saturday, May 17th, after a suspicious vehicle was reported at a construction site located near the intersection of Banana Road and Ponce de Leon Street in Lakeland.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, a deputy arrived at the scene and saw Evans getting onto a Kawasaki Vulcan motorcycle.
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During the initial interaction with the man, the deputy noted that Evans was in possession of 78.29 grams of marijuana. Evans reportedly claimed to have a medical marijuana card.
However, the situation escalated when the deputy discovered that Evans was also in possession of 17.44 grams of cocaine.
Further investigation revealed that Evans was also carrying a Smith & Wesson handgun. Upon checking, the deputy discovered two crucial pieces of information: first, Evans did not possess a valid medical marijuana card. Second, the handgun in his possession had been reported stolen in 2023.
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As a result of the findings, David Evans was taken into custody and transported to the Polk County Jail.
He faces a total of seven charges, including five felonies: Display of a Firearm During a Felony, Grand Theft of a Firearm, Possession of Cocaine with Intent to Sell, Possession of Marijuana with Intent to Sell, and Vehicle for Use to Sell Drugs. Additionally, he has been charged with two misdemeanors: Possession of Marijuana Over 20 Grams and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
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