Charles Powell, 33, has a criminal rap sheet filled with drug related arrests, dating back over 13 years. However he made getting caught during his latest offense really easy for Houston police, that’s because he decided to smoke a marijuana cigarette in their parking lot.
“In 21 years, this is a first. I’ve seen a lot of things, but never encountered someone smoking a marijuana cigarette in a police parking lot,” Chief Herbert Gilbert said.
A detective at the South Houston Police Station was walking through the parking lot, on his lunch break, when he smelled the stench of marijuana. According to the chief, Powell was spotted smoking what looked like a cigar, but was actually filled with marijuana while standing in front of a sign clearly marked “police.”
Powell, who is facing a Class B misdemeanor for possession of marijuana and up to 180 days in jail if he’s convicted, spoke to local NBC affiliate KPRC by phone. He denies smoking the illegal substance and says it was actually a cigarette.