POLK COUNTY, Fla. – A Cape Coral man is facing multiple drug and theft charges after fleeing a traffic stop in Mulberry on Sunday night.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office conducted a traffic stop on a white Toyota Camry on Church Avenue at approximately 9:53 p.m. on March 9th. During the stop, the driver, displaying an aggravated demeanor, exited the vehicle.
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A deputy noticed a clear pipe on the driver’s seat and instructed the driver to step away from the vehicle. The driver responded, “You can have that, and you can have the whole car,” before fleeing on foot.
Deputies apprehended the suspect a short time later near the Christina Animal Hospital.
A subsequent search of the Camry revealed a backpack containing the suspect’s Florida identification, confirming his identity as 44-year-old Ar’ke Benjamin El Cuff of Cape Coral.
Further investigation of the vehicle uncovered:
- A Florida identification card belonging to another individual
- 0.33 grams of heroin
- 17.7 grams of methamphetamine
- 3.76 grams of marijuana
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El Cuff was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail. He faces charges of trafficking methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell, possession of heroin, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of another’s identification, driving without a valid driver’s license, and resisting arrest (three counts).
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