Martin, Tenn.–A man who told officers he was from Union City was found passed out in his vehicle Monday morning and was arrested by Martin Police on drug charges and criminal impersonation.
Martin Police responded to 836 University Street on a welfare check on an individual passed out. According to the police report, Eric Choate was found to be passed out in the driver’s seat. Once awake, Choate said he didn’t have ID with him and that his name was John Choate and that he was from Union City. He said he hadn’t taken any medications or drugs.
Police observed a purple makeup bag underneath his right arm. The bag was open and Choate was asked what was in it. Choate said the bag contained needles and gave it to police. A search of the bag found a small clear cellophane bag containing approximately 1.8 grams of what appeared to be meth.
Choate was detained and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted. During the search, several glass smoking pipes containing a burnt residue believed to be meth was located.