SCRANTON — When city police picked up a homeless man officers knew had a warrant for a felony probation violation, they found 5 grams of methamphetamine in his pockets, police said.
Myles Luckett, 39, of Scranton, is charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance, flight to avoid apprehension and possession of drug paraphernalia.
According to the criminal complaint:
At about 5:30 p.m. on April 30, Officer Jack Carroll was on patrol in the 800 block of Capouse Avenue when he spotted Luckett walking south.
A records check indicated Luckett had an warrant issued by the Lackawanna County sheriff’s office.
When Carroll pulled up beside him in his police vehicle and instructed him to stop, Luckett pulled up his pants, which Carroll noted is an indication a person is going to flee.
Luckett then began running.
Carroll pursued him, brought him to the ground and arrested him.
Luckett told officers he was aware he had a warrant out and had been avoiding law enforcement officers.
He admitted he was in possession of crystal methamphetamine.
He said he “had to sell meth to survive” due to his status as a fugitive.
Officers searched Luckett and found 1.5 grams of methamphetamine in his right front pocket and 3.5 grams of meth in his left front pocket.
When officers asked Luckett who he was delivering the drug to he said he wouldn’t tell on other people.
According to court paperwork, his outstanding warrant was issued Sept. 3 for charges related to stalking.
A preliminary hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on May 8 before District Judge Paul Ware.
Luckett remains at Lackawanna County Prison in lieu of $25,000 bail.