BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A lit cigarette tossed from a U-Haul window during a Boynton Beach traffic stop led to a 63-year-old man’s arrest on cocaine and drug paraphernalia charges, along with a wildfire-related offense, as parts of South Florida continue to grapple with drought conditions.
The Boynton Beach Police Department said that Douglas Phelps McClendon, 63, was arrested July 15 after officers stopped a U-Haul near Northeast First Court and East Gateway Boulevard shortly after 10 p.m. because the vehicle was being driven without illuminated rear taillights.
Police said McClendon was riding in the passenger seat when an officer approached him for not wearing a seatbelt. During the encounter, McClendon allegedly asked whether he could throw his lit cigarette out of the vehicle window before flicking it outside. Officers detained him on allegations of littering and violating a state law prohibiting the disposal of lighted substances…