A homeless man is in the Marion County Jail on drug charges after being arrested Thursday afternoon outside an Ocala fast-food restaurant.
Ocala Police were called to the Checkers at 1239 E. Silver Springs Blvd. in reference to a man who appeared to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol and was dozing off and on at the outside seating area. Upon arrival, the responding officer observed a white male who was swaying while seated on a bench, according to the OPD report.
The man was identified as 31-year-old Dustin Lee Heaberlin. His wallet was on the table and the officer was able to start running his information before the man realized he was present. Once fully awakened, Heaberlin was told police had been called to check on him because of his behavior, the report said.
Heaberlin told the officer he was just exhausted because he is homeless and was out in the sun all day, but his pupils were extremely constricted and he appeared to be under the influence of narcotics. He said he has used methamphetamine previously but was not currently under the influence of anything. EMS was called and responded to the scene due to Heaberlin’s complaints of being hot, exhausted and not feeling well, according to the report.
A computer check revealed two active warrants for Heaberlin’s arrest. He said he was aware of them and knew he’d be going to jail eventually. He requested a cigarette and when attempting to find a lighter, a drug pipe for smoking meth was discovered in his left front pocket. Once the pipe was removed, Heaberlin said, “drug paraphernalia,” as if he had forgotten it was there and was disappointed the officer found it, the report said.
Heaberlin’s backpack and mountain bike were taken for safe keeping and storage, and an officer found a balloon-style sling shot containing substances that field tested positive for methamphetamine, heroin, MDMA, and less than 20 grams of marijuana, according to the report.
Heaberlin was taken to Ocala Regional Medical Center for possible dehydration and exhaustion. Once medically cleared and discharged, he was arrested and charged with possession of heroin, methamphetamine, MDMA, and drug paraphernalia, plus the two outstanding warrants. He’s being held on $10,000 bond and will appear in Marion County Court on July 2.