An Avon Park woman is facing multiple charges, including DUI and drug possession, after a traffic stop revealed more than just illegally tinted windows; Heather Darlene Rimes, 42, was pulled over with a child in the back seat, and further investigation led to the discovery of narcotics in her vehicle.
The incident occurred on Saturday, when a PCSO deputy stopped Rimes’s 2017 Nissan Altima around 7:15 pm, the deputy who made the traffic stop noted signs of impairment as evidenced by the driver's slurred speech, watery eyes, and body tremors, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Rimes disclosed to the deputy that her license had been revoked since September 23, 2014, after he asked for her driver's license, and she replied that she "has not had one in years." The interaction led to the search of her vehicle, where authorities found four small baggies under the driver’s seat, substances within tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl, as per Polk County Sheriff's Office.
Compounding the severity of the situation, a breath alcohol test administered at the scene showed no alcohol in Rimes's system; however, a urine sample was collected for further analysis while Rimes admitted to consuming methamphetamine earlier in the day, she was subsequently charged with offenses that included DUI, DUI with a passenger under 18 years old, negligent child abuse, and drug possession.
Rimes was taken to the Polk County Jail following her arrest, where she awaits further court proceedings on the charges listed; full details of the charges faced by Rimes can be found in the PCSO release.
