A West Palm Beach man wanted out of Volusia County was arrested on drug and firearm charges after being found based on a crime-line tip.
A deputy responded to 44925 First Street in Deland in reference to a crime-line tip regarding a person with a warrant, later confirmed to be 29-year-old Damian Michael Harpel, around 1:29 p.m. May 29, according to an arrest report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
Upon arrival, another deputy was speaking with one of the residents and trying to find Harpel, who had an active Volusia County warrant. The second deputy walked around to the rear of the property to see Harpel walking in the direction of three other deputies. He was given loud verbal commands to walk in their direction, the report said.
As Harpel walked toward the group, one of the deputies saw him drop a black zip-up pouch. He was found to have a Sky 9mm handgun loaded with about ten 9mm bullets once he was secured, the report said.
A criminal history check revealed that Harpel had multiple felony convictions. His last was for felony burglary on Aug. 14, 2018, in Palm Beach County, the report said.
The black pouch contained two blue plastic baggies, one of which had a blue powder inside while the other had a crystal-like substance. Both substances were field tested and showed positive results for methamphetamine. The blue powder weighed about 6 grams, and the crystal-like substance weighed about 2 grams, the report said.
Harpel was subsequently arrested and charged with two counts each of possession of methamphetamine, firearm or ammo by felon and paraphernalia. He was transported to Lake County Jail with bond set at $17,000.