Michael Peterson, 38, has been arrested on an outstanding warrant in connection to a July 2018 case after lab results showed he was in possession of more than 40 grams of N-Ethlypentylone, also known as bath salts.

On July 17, 2018 at approximately 1:30 a.m., Sarasota Police Officers were on patrol in the area of 25^th Street and Maple Avenue in the City of Sarasota.  Officers observed Peterson traveling northbound in the southbound lanes of Maple Avenue with no lights.  When Officers attempted to stop Peterson, he fled, throwing a backpack in was in possession of.

Officers caught Peterson a short time later and located his backpack.  While searching the backpack, Officers located a digital scale, U.S. currency and a mixture of methamphetamine and cocaine in five small plastic baggies with a total weight of 42.2 grams.  The substance tested positive for cocaine but was submitted to the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Lab for testing.

On July 17, 2018, Peterson was charged with cocaine possession within 1000 feet of a church, possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting a law enforcement officer without violence.  Peterson was taken to the Sarasota County Jail and later bonded out. 

On August 8, 2018, Officers received results from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Lab advising the methamphetamine testing positive for N-Ethlypentylone.  A warrant was issued for Peterson’s arrest.  Last Friday, August 17, 2018, Peterson was arrested for Trafficking Amphetamine or mixture and was taken to the Sarasota County Jail and later bonded out.