A West Melbourne father was arrested Thursday morning after allegedly dropping a bag of cocaine while dropping off a child at Mustard Seed Kidz Preschool, according to police.
Authorities identified the suspect as 41-year-old Gary Anthony Heslop. A preschool staff member reportedly found a clear bag with a white substance on the ground and immediately contacted law enforcement, the West Melbourne Police Department stated.
Officers arrived at the preschool on Eber Road and reviewed surveillance footage, which showed Heslop as the person who dropped the bag. Upon further inspection, officers discovered the bag contained seven smaller packets of cocaine.
Heslop returned to the school shortly after, where officers were waiting. Police took him into custody without incident and found additional illegal substances during a search.
He now faces several drug-related charges, including possession of 7.04 grams of cocaine with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of 8.18 grams of opiate pills with intent to sell within 1,000 feet of a school, possession of 2.03 grams of oxycodone without a prescription, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Heslop remains in the Brevard County Jail with a bond set at $33,000.
Authorities praised the preschool staff for their quick response in alerting law enforcement.
