Florida man stopped for speeding in school zone faces multiple drug charges

FLORIDA – A Florida man who was stopped by a state trooper for allegedly speeding in a school zone has been charged with Possession of Marijuana with intent to sell within 1000 feet of school or daycare, among other alleged offenses, said the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

According to the FHP, troopers working in an active school zone at Freedom Shores Elementary School in  Boynton Beach observed a red BMW driving 37 mph. The school zone was appropriately designated with flashing lights on a sign posted with a 20-mph school zone listed.

As the vehicle passed the patrol vehicle and reduced speed, the trooper initiated a traffic stop. The FHP said the driver, identified by a Florida driver license, was Jairo Jaile La Parra, 19, of Boynton Beach.

The trooper reported the odor of marijuana and said he could see a box of packaged THC vape devices in plain sight on the rear passenger seat. He asked the driver if there was any marijuana in the vehicle, and La Parra allegedly confirmed there was.

The FHP said that La Parra admitted the purpose of having the THC vapes was to sell them.

Troopers placed La Parra under arrest and transported him to Palm Beach County Jail on charges of:

• Possession of Marijuana with intent to sell within 1000 feet of school or daycare
• Possession of over 20 grams of Marijuana
• Possession of Marijuana with intent to distribute
• Keep Public Nuisance for drug activity (vehicle)
• Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Within the first week of many Florida schools opening their doors, some Florida counties have seen speeding, crashes, and other reckless driving behaviors despite the increased efforts and presence of FHP and other law enforcement agencies to enforce safety in school zones, the FHP said.

In just a week, the FHP reported that over 400 citations were issued for excessive speed, school zone texting, and failure to stop for a school bus. Additionally, the FHP said there have been almost 15 traffic crashes in school zones and 13 crashes involving school buses outside of a school zone.

“School zones are places children should feel safe,” said Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles Executive Director Dave Kerner.

“While there are signs, lights, and crossing guards, it is also up to us to ensure that our actions do not endanger those who look to us to protect them from harm.”

For additional safety tips, resources, and data related to child safety, visit the FLHSMV Child Safety webpage and see the recent press release discussing Child Safety Awareness Month here.