Coral Springs moves toward implementing moratorium on new smoke and vape shops as city leaders consider new regulations to control their growth
Coral Springs, Florida – A Coral Springs man was arrested last week after police found him sitting in the backseat of a stranger’s vehicle, smoking marijuana and refusing to follow officers’ commands, according to an official report.
The suspect, 28-year-old Damon James, was discovered inside a parked car at an apartment complex on West Atlantic Boulevard around 7:50 p.m. on July 23. Police said James had multiple felony warrants for burglary in Broward County at the time of his arrest.
The incident began when a passerby returning from Coral Square Mall noticed an unfamiliar man wearing a baseball cap sitting inside a car that did not belong to him. The concerned individual told her mother, and the two approached the vehicle, where they observed the man actively smoking something. Alarmed, they contacted Coral Springs Police immediately.
Upon arrival, officers located James still in the backseat of the vehicle. According to the police report, he exited the car and began walking away, ignoring several commands to stop and get on the ground. Despite his initial noncompliance, officers were able to detain him without any further resistance.
The vehicle’s owner was later interviewed and confirmed he had no idea who James was and had never granted anyone permission to enter or use the car. The owner also explained that the car’s locking system had been malfunctioning, which may have allowed James to gain entry without damaging the vehicle.
A search of the vehicle led police to recover two partially smoked marijuana cigarettes totaling 2.7 grams, along with a lighter and a small piece of plastic. The victim stated the plastic item did not belong to him.
James was charged with burglary of an unoccupied conveyance, possession of cannabis under 20 grams, and obstruction without violence. In addition to these charges, police discovered two active felony warrants against James, both for burglary-related offenses.
Following his arrest, James was taken to Broward Health Coral Springs for medical clearance before being transferred to the Broward County Main Jail for booking.
This bizarre and unsettling incident has raised concerns among residents in the neighborhood, many of whom are disturbed that someone with an active criminal record could be found so casually inside a stranger’s car.
Authorities are reminding citizens to report suspicious activity right away, just as the witnesses in this case did.
Though no one was harmed, police emphasized the seriousness of the situation. James’s actions not only led to new criminal charges but also added weight to his existing legal troubles.
As of now, James remains in custody. His next court appearance has not yet been scheduled.
