Man arrested in Port Charlotte for distracting K-9 during traffic stop

Writer: Melissa Montoya
Published: Updated:
Justin Edward Parker (CREDIT: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)

A 37-year-old man was arrested after Charlotte deputies said he interfered with a drug-sniffing K-9 during a traffic stop on Monday.

Justin Edward Parker, of Port Charlotte, was pulled over after he failed to make a complete stop, according to the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office.

Parker was cited for failing to change his address on his license, but once a K-9 arrived on the scene, the dog alerted to the presence of drugs.

However, Parker began to yell at the dog, “distracting Sparta from conducting a sniff,” according to the arrest report.

The dog, Sparta, began directing its attention toward Parker instead of its job.

Deputies had to move Parker away so Sparta could successfully sniff the air.

Deputies then found a crystal-like substance on the driver’s side electric window panel and on the driver’s seat, which tested positive for methamphetamine.

Parker faces a charge of possession of a controlled substance without a prescription and harassing or teasing a police dog.

He remains in custody on $4,000 bond.

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