A 25-year-old Rome man was arrested by Floyd County Police after being found unconscious behind the wheel of his vehicle, leading to a series of charges including trafficking fentanyl and attempting to elude police. Authorities identified the suspect as Mibzar Maquito Perez, who was discovered slumped over in his vehicle on North Elm Street at Verbana Avenue. Upon arrival, Rome police officers requested that Perez exit the vehicle; however, he instead took off, initiating a pursuit through several residential neighborhoods.

The situation escalated when Perez continued to evade law enforcement, fleeing from Floyd County police in the vicinity of Park Road and Cave Spring Road. Officers eventually apprehended him, uncovering a troubling scene inside his vehicle. During the search, police found several open containers of alcohol alongside a staggering 866 grams of suspected fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid responsible for a rising number of overdose deaths across the nation.

In addition to charges for trafficking fentanyl and possession of a Schedule I controlled substance, Perez faces multiple traffic-related charges: DUI, reckless driving, laying drag, driving on the wrong side of the road, and operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license.