Sunglasses' case mistaken for gun, leads to arrest

An employee at an Avon Park bar called authorities claiming that a patron had a gun.

Turns out, it was not a gun but a sunglasses' case filled with meth, authorities said.

Christopher Boatwright, 38, of Frostproof, was arrested Saturday and charged with possession of a controlled substance without a prescription, possession of a counterfeited driver's license or ID card, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

He remained in the Highlands County Jail Tuesday under a $2,500 bond.

Highlands County Sheriff's deputies were sent to the undisclosed bar, located at 2951 U.S. 27 N., after getting a call that Boatwright had shown a firearm to one of the employees, according to the arrest report.

"The employee stated she observed the butt of a pistol in the suspect's waistband and the suspect also made comments that he was armed," the report stated.

Deputies reportedly noticed a large bulge in Boatwright's waistband that seemed to indicate he had a weapon. He denied having a gun and gave law enforcement permission to search him.

Authorities found the black-and-silver sunglasses case, the report stated. Deputies also say they found a fake driver's license in Boatwright's shirt pocket.

The suspect was arrested for the fake ID, as well as for the three baggies inside the case that held methamphetamine.

Also in the case were additional clear, empty bags, two small straws and a bag of marijuana.

HCSO Deputy Max Van D'Huynslager made the arrest.