The sheriff’s department took a suspected drug dealer off the streets after a deputy responding to a call of a suspicious person slumped over behind the wheel of a vehicle in the Walmart parking lot allegedly found meth, Suboxone, and a gun in his pickup.

Michael Alex Ponder, 39, was charged with driving under the influence, driving while in possession of methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine for sale, delivery or process, and possession of a handgun while under the influence on March 31. He also received citations for violation of the implied consent law and for simple possession of a Schedule III drug.

According to Sheriff Patrick Ray a deputy was dispatched to Walmart Drive to check out a white Ford Ranger in the parking lot with a man slumped over the steering wheel. Ponder was reportedly awakened after several attempts and was found to have bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. He reportedly performed poorly on field sobriety tasks.

A search of his person allegedly revealed two round white containers, one holding a baggie of a crystal-like substance believed to be meth weighing 0.4 grams, and another with two halves of a pill believed to be Suboxone inside. In a black pouch in Ponder’s jacket pocket, the deputy reportedly found three more baggies of a crystal-like substance believed to be meth weighing 3.7 grams, 1.1 grams, and 1.3 grams. The total weight of all the baggies was 6.5 grams, and the substances field tested positive for meth.

The sheriff said a search of the man’s truck turned up a Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun on the driver’s floor board. The arresting officer reported that he observed Ponder drop something, believed to be the gun, on the floor board of the vehicle.

The deputy also seized cash found during the investigation as the proceeds from drug sales. His bond totals $16,500 and he will appear in court on April 27.