Escambia County Man Arrested After Deputies Discover Cocaine, Marijuana, Firearm During Investigation

ESCAMBIA COUNTY, FL. (BuzzReport) — What began as an investigation into an unrelated case led to a significant drug and firearm arrest after Escambia County Sheriff’s Office deputies reportedly uncovered large quantities of illegal narcotics and a handgun during a search of a vehicle.

According to the Escambia County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were investigating a separate case on Smiley Avenue when they observed Tristan Salter standing near his pickup truck on the property.

Investigators said Salter’s behavior immediately drew attention. As deputies approached, he allegedly threw a Stanley cup over a fence into a neighboring yard before turning his attention to the backseat of his vehicle, where deputies reported seeing him reaching around in what they described as suspicious movements.

Deputies detained Salter and conducted a search of his vehicle. After recovering the Stanley cup from the neighboring property, investigators discovered evidence that led to the seizure of a substantial amount of illegal narcotics and a firearm.

According to authorities, deputies recovered:

• 104 grams of cocaine
• 507 grams of marijuana
• One firearm
• Drug paraphernalia

Based on the quantity of narcotics recovered, investigators determined the drugs were consistent with trafficking and distribution rather than personal use.

Salter was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking in cocaine
• Concealing a firearm during the commission of a felony
• Possession of marijuana with intent to distribute
• Possession of drug paraphernalia

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office praised the efforts of its B/North Patrol deputies, noting that their proactive work during an unrelated investigation resulted in the removal of a significant amount of illegal drugs and a firearm from the community.

Authorities have not released additional information regarding the separate investigation that initially brought deputies to the Smiley Avenue property. The case remains under investigation, and additional charges could be possible as investigators continue processing evidence.

This is an ongoin investigation.