While on routine patrol by the West Palm Beach Police Department and GHOST detectives on December 1st, it led to a significant drug bust. Officers responded to reports of a suspicious individual selling narcotics near Sapodilla Avenue and soon encountered a Chevrolet Malibu parked with its engine running—but no driver in sight. What started as a simple infraction quickly escalated into a full-scale investigation, culminating in a significant drug seizure and an arrest.
When West Palm Beach Detective Thomas approached the unattended vehicle, he found a phone streaming a football game inside, but no driver was present. As he began his inquiry, Cornelius Banks, 39, arrived at the scene confrontationally. The situation escalated as Banks questioned the legality of the stop, prompting officers to de-escalate and request his driver’s license. A K9 unit was called in to conduct an open-air sniff of the vehicle, leading to a positive alert for narcotics.
Following probable cause, officers searched the car. Initially, a small amount of crack cocaine was discovered in a bag, leading to Banks’ arrest. However, the real find was yet to come. Upon searching the trunk, authorities uncovered 27 “crack cookies” totaling over 800 grams, alongside baggies of crack, a digital scale, and razor blades. The estimated street value of the drugs ranged between $40,000 and $50,000.
As officers attempted to take Banks into custody, he resisted arrest and tried to flee. Officers deployed a Taser multiple times before subduing him. While bystanders voiced concerns about the force used, law enforcement emphasized the necessity of their actions, given the circumstances. Banks was later transported to St. Mary’s Hospital for evaluation before being booked on charges of felony trafficking in cocaine and resisting an officer without violence.
Legal Note:
All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The charges against Cornelius Banks are pending legal proceedings, and further investigation may provide additional details. Law enforcement officials remind the public that unattended, running vehicles are not only a traffic infraction but can also attract criminal activity. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of adherence to local laws and the vigilance of law enforcement in combating drug-related crimes.
