Bainbridge Public Safety arrested Ernest Neal Foster, 59, on the afternoon of Dec. 30 on charges of possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) with intent to sell or distribute (felony) and possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) with intent to sell or distribute within 1000 feet of a park or housing project (felony).

According to investigator Chip Nix, Foster had been on BPS’s radar following multiple tips that he was selling marijuana from his residence at the King West Apartments.

According to Nix, when BPS officer arrived at King West Apartments Foster was spotted riding up on a bicycle towards an adjoining apartment.

“I went a different way from the other officers,” Nix said. “[Foster] stepped behind a column or pole to hide, but I could see him.”

After stepping behind the pole Foster reportedly removed a bag containing five smaller bags of marijuana from a backpack he was carrying.

“He pulled out multiple bags of marijuana packaged to sale and shoved them down his pants,” Nix said.

BPS also found an additional bag of marijuana in the backpack and extra pink baggies that could be used in the distribution of marijuana.