Robert Michael Smith, 42 of Kenwood Avenue, was stopped by officers after running the red light at Grasmere Avenue and Kings Highway East, police said.
The officer who stopped Smith said he recognized him from a previous encounter in October, when Smith was warned about keeping his prescription medications in their proper containers, police said.
Smith was taken out of his vehicle Thursday after the officer noticed his dazed-glassy eyes, dilated pupils and slow, delayed speech, police said. Officers searched Smith and a pat down resulted in the discovery of a small glass smoking pipe, a second green metal smoking pipe, 17 round-white pills with the imprint “54-142,” in a cellophane wrapper and a small amount of marijuana, police said.
Both pipes tested positive for marijuana, police said. It was later discovered that the white pills were a type of methadone, a drug commonly used under medical supervision to treat narcotic drug addiction, police said.
A further search of the suspect's backpack turned up an orange medication bottle containing 10 milligram pills of valium, according to police.
Police said Smith failed a field sobriety test. When questioned by officers, he said he had his medications in his possession because he is fearful his son would steal them if left at home, police said.
Smith has been charged with driving under the influence, possession of drug paraphernalia, possession of marijuana under one ounce and failure to keep prescription drugs in their original containers.
Police released Smith on a promise to appear in court on charges of failing to keep his prescriptions in their original containers and for driving under the influence. He was issued an infraction on a charge of possession of marijuana under an ounce. Officers also issued Smith a misdemeanor summons for his traffic violation of running a red light, police said.
Smith is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 5.
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