Man Tries to Break Into Home While Carrying Drugs

A Fort Lauderdale man is facing multiple charges after he tried to break into a man’s home and was caught with a smorgasbord of illegal and prescription drugs.

Miramar Police say Jonathan Whetsel, 37, followed a man walking to his house. Police said Whetsel went into the backyard of the home and tried to force his way into the back door. The homeowner tried to get the man to leave, but he didn’t for more than two hours.

Police said as Whetsel left the backyard, he hit the homeowner in the face with his fist and then used a small piece of wood to again hit the homeowner. The homeowner suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

When police began to question Whetsel, they said he gave multiple stories for being at the home. The homeowner told police he doesn’t know Whetsel or why he was trying to enter the residence.

Miramar Police said after they took Whetsel into custody, an officer asked if he could search a duffel bag that was with the suspect. Whetsel agreed and when officer looked inside they noticed a small red and black toolbox.

Inside the toolbox, police found 38.7 grams of marijuana, 2.6 grams of cocaine, two blank prescription bottles with the first containing 29 Clonazepam pills and the second containing 37 Xanax pills. A third container contained six Flurazepam pills. Police also found two digital scales, five needles, two spoons, two straws, and rolling papers.

Whetsel was charged with burglary of an occupied dwelling, two counts of battery on a person 65 years or older, possession of cocaine, possession of more than 20 grams of marijuana, three counts of possession of a Schedule IV controlled substances and five counts of possession of drug paraphernalia.

Whetsel remains in the Broward County Jail. It’s unknown if he has an attorney. 

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