Medical Call at Walmart leads to DWI and Narcotic Arrest

On July 8th, 2021 around 8:30 pm, Morganton Public Safety was dispatched to Walmart for a report of a cardiac arrest. Upon PSO's arrival, it was determined that the suspect, Phillip Edwards of Hill Road in Marion was allegedly passed out behind the wheel due to drugs. The vehicle was squealing tires in front of the Pharmacy entrance, only being stopped by the blue pylons out front protecting the sliding entrance doors.

While Edwards was taken to the hospital, PSO's spoke to witnesses and during a plain view search, located suspected Fentanyl, syringes and other drug paraphernalia. Edwards was later charged for suspicion of Driving While Impaired, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, and Possession of Schedule II Narcotics. He was brought before a Magistrate and given a custody release and has an upcoming court date of 10/18/2021.