SPRING HILL, Fla – A 49-year-old Spring Hill man was arrested on drug trafficking charges after driving aggressively, nearly hitting a deputy.
On Monday at approximately 2:46 p.m., Hernando County Sheriff’s deputies were on patrol in Spring Hill when they saw the driver of a vehicle rapidly approach from behind, swerving at the last second to avoid striking the patrol vehicle.
Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the driver of the silver Nissan Altima.
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The driver fled south on Sterling Hills Boulevard before stopping in the driveway of a home located at 4054 Beaumont Loop.
Deputies say the driver of the vehicle, later identified as Edward Ptarcinski, 49, proceeded to exit the vehicle in an “aggressive” manner.
Deputies immediately took Ptarcinski into custody without further incident.
As a result of the investigation, deputies then conducted a search of the man’s vehicle. During the search, deputies located a small bag containing glass pipes that are used to smoke methamphetamine.
Deputies also located a second bag that contained a crystal-like substance, which later tested positive for methamphetamine. The methamphetamine weighed 14.9 grams.
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“Based on Ptarcinski’s driving pattern and demeanor, a traffic unit responded to evaluate him for driving under the influence. Ptarcinski did not appear under the influence based on the results of field sobriety tests,” said HCSO.
Ptarcinski was arrested on charges of Trafficking in Methamphetamine, Fleeing or Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Officer, Resisting an Officer without Violence, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
He was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where his bond was set at $32,000.
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