Man wanted on drug charges escapes from hospital, deputies say

William Stokes, 40, allegedly found unconscious behind wheel of car

STOCK ISLAND, Fla. – The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is searching for a man who was found passed out behind a running vehicle over the weekend in Stock Island.

The incident was reported Saturday morning in the area of Second Street and Maloney Avenue.

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Monroe County Sheriff's Office spokeswoman Becky Herrin said three deputies responded to the scene and found William Stokes, 40, of Big Coppitt Key, passed out behind the wheel of a silver Toyota.

From left: Deputy Jon Riggs, Sgt. Linda Mixon and Deputy Joshua Gordon.

Herrin said the car was in gear, and several witnesses were trying to keep the car from moving back.

One of the deputies broke a window of the vehicle and turned off the car, Herrin said.

Paramedics told deputies that they found a syringe in Stokes' arm.

Herrin said more syringes were found in the vehicle, along with several crack cocaine rocks, cocaine, marijuana, heroin, drug paraphernalia and a large amount of cash.

A small dog was also found in the back seat, and the vehicle smelled of marijuana, authorities said.

The dog was turned over to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Herrin said Stokes initially told deputies that his name was Will Smith, but a check of the vehicle's registration revealed his real identity.

Herrin said Stokes was taken to a hospital for treatment, but he left before deputies could detain him.

A warrant has been issued to arrest Stokes on drug possession charges.

Bond on the warrant is set at $70,000.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-346-TIPS.


About the Author:

Amanda Batchelor is the Digital Executive Producer for Local10.com.