PACE Unit Arrests Two for Narcotics Following Traffic Stop for Burn Ban Violation

On Friday evening, the FCSO Problem Area Crime Enforcement Unit made two arrests following a traffic stop after detectives found narcotics in the vehicle. The traffic stop was initiated after a PACE Unit detective was driving on Pine Lakes Parkway in Palm Coast and observed a lit ember thrown from the passenger-side window of a white Toyota Camry in front of him. Flagler County is currently under a burn ban due to dry conditions and elevated fire risk, prohibiting throwing matches, cigarettes, or any other item likely to cause a fire from vehicles. It is also a violation of Florida Statute 590.10, which prohibits "any person to throw, drop, or dispose of a lighted match, cigarette, cigar, ashes, or other flaming or glowing substance, or any substance or thing which may or does cause a wildfire," regardless of their being a current burn ban. During the traffic stop, PACE Unit detectives contacted the driver, identified as Stacey Pringle, 55, of Palm Coast, and the front-seat passenger, identified as Christian Heighley, 47, of Palm Coast. While speaking with the occupants, a detective observed that Heighley appeared to be extremely nervous, was moving around inside the vehicle, and was moving his hands near his waistband and out of the detective’s view. Detectives then asked both occupants to exit the vehicle. Upon exiting, Heighley continued to move erratically and reach toward his waistband and pockets. While talking to Heighley, detectives could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from him. Heighley stated he had a medical marijuana card but was unsure if it was valid. During a probable cause search of his person, detectives found marijuana in a clear plastic bag, not in proper dispensary packaging, as well as Heighley’s medical marijuana card, which had expired in 2021. Detectives also found a bag containing methamphetamine. Heighley denied the methamphetamine was his, despite it being found in his pocket. During a search of Pringle, detectives found two small plastic bags containing methamphetamine inside a container on her keychain. A deputy also found another bag containing methamphetamine inside Pringle’s bra. Detectives arrested Heighley for possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana (20 grams or less), and disposing of a lighted substance. Detectives arrested Pringle for possession of methamphetamine with intent to sell and possession of drug paraphernalia. Both were transported to the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility. During a more thorough search at the detention facility, detention deputies found another bag of methamphetamine hidden in Pringle’s bra. She was additionally arrested for introduction of contraband into a county detention facility. “This started as a simple traffic stop because one of the vehicle occupants violated the conditions of a burn ban and Florida law right in front of our detectives, but it turned into the arrest of a drug dealer and getting poison off our streets,” said Sheriff Rick Staly. “If you bring illegal drugs into our community, we will find them, no matter where you try to hide them, and we will arrest you and hold you accountable.” Pringle was released from the Sheriff Perry Hall Inmate Detention Facility on a $5,500 bond. Heighley is being held on a $3,500 bond. ABOUT FCSO The Flagler County Sheriff's Office is under the direction of Sheriff Rick Staly. Serving the citizens of Flagler County, FL since 1917. Follow us on social media! • Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flaglersheriff/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flaglersher... • Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlaglerSheriff