Man arrested on heroin-dealing charge in Bradenton

MANATEE -- Deputies seized heroin packaged for sale and other drugs after man left his car unattended and with the engine on while pumping gas at a Bradenton station, according to the Manatee County Sheriff's Office.

A deputy Saturday spotted the car at the Circle K store at 904 30th Ave. E., Bradenton. As the deputy was reporting the car's license tag to a dispatcher, the deputy said he could smell a strong odor of marijuana coming from inside the vehicle, according to a report.

As the deputy was finishing the transmission, Brionne M. Gray came out of the store and asked the deputy if there was a problem.

The deputy told Gray that leaving the car running and unattended at the pump was a violation and asked for his driver's license. When a dispatcher told the deputy that Gray was wanted on a warrant, the deputy move to arrest Gray, but he tried to get away, according to the report.

With the assistance of backup deputies, the deputy was able to handcuff Gray.

During a search of Gray's car, deputies found a bag containing three pieces of rock cocaine; a small baggie containing 19 small, individual zip lock baggies containing suspected heroin; and a baggie containing marijuana. according to the report.

Deputies also found a loaded .45-caliber handgun on the back floorboard. The gun had been reported stolen earlier this year, according to the sheriff's office.

Gray, 24, faces charges of possession with intent to sell heroin; possession of a weapon/ammunition by a convicted felon; grand theft of a firearm; possession of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, possession of marijuana; possession of drug paraphernalia; resisting arrest; and violating his probation for a 2013 conviction for dealing in stolen property.

Gray was being held without bond at the Manatee County jail.

This story was originally published November 23, 2015 at 11:31 AM with the headline "Man arrested on heroin-dealing charge in Bradenton ."