POLK COUNTY, Fla. – What began as a routine traffic stop for a minor window tint violation in Fort Meade on Saturday evening escalated into a significant drug arrest, landing 42-year-old Heather Darlene Rimes of Avon Park behind bars.
At approximately 7:15 p.m., a Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputy pulled over a 2017 Nissan Altima on U.S. 17 at Vigiron Road due to its illegally tinted windows. The driver, identified as Rimes, informed the deputy that her driver’s license had been revoked since September 23, 2014.
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During the interaction, the deputy observed signs of impairment in Ms. Rimes, including slurred speech, watery eyes, and body tremors.
A subsequent search of the vehicle yielded a disturbing discovery: four small baggies containing substances that later tested positive for both methamphetamine and fentanyl were found under the driver’s seat.
Adding to the severity of the situation, a small child was in the back seat of the vehicle at the time of the traffic stop.
Rimes was immediately arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Following her transport to the Polk County Jail, a breathalyzer test indicated no alcohol impairment. However, due to the observed signs of impairment, a urine sample was collected for further toxicological analysis.
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According to PCSO, Rimes admitted to consuming methamphetamine earlier in the day.
As a result of the traffic stop and subsequent investigation, Heather Rimes now faces a string of serious charges, including: Driving Under the Influence (DUI), DUI with a Passenger Under 18 years old, Negligent Child Abuse, Possession of Fentanyl, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Driving While License Suspended or Revoked.
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