Best Drugs burglar found passed out in a stolen car

By Carrie A. Mizell

A 38-year-old Trenton man who was found passed out inside a vehicle in the middle of an intersection, has confessed to stealing prescription medication from Best Drugs in April.
Richard A. McDaniel, of 7060 SE 67th Court, Trenton, was found passed out behind the wheel of a vehicle that was reportedly listed as stolen, in the intersection of County Road 232 and SW 65th Street. According to Investigator Eddie Merritt of the Gilchrist County Sheriff’s Office, McDaniel had Oxycodone and syringes in his possession at the time.
Initially, McDaniel gave investigators a false name, “James” and date of birth.
Once McDaniel was arrested and booked at the Gilchrist County Jail, his correct name and date of birth were determined. Investigators also determined that McDaniel was wanted in Hernando, Dixie and Suwannee counties.
McDaniel was first charged with Obstruction by Disguised Person and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia.
Investigators knew that McDaniel was a person of interest in the April burglary and grand theft of controlled substances from Best Drugs, so they called in Trenton Police Chief Billy Smith.
Sheriff’s Office Investigator Merritt and Investigator Tracy Taylor, along with Police Chief Smith interviewed McDaniel about the burglary. At that time, McDaniel reportedly said that he was tired of running and confessed to committing the burglary at Best Drugs.
According to Chief Smith, McDaniel admitted that he is hooked on prescription drugs and that he stole numerous prescription drugs to sell and for personal use.
McDaniel is considered a suspect in pharmacy break-ins in both Suwannee County and Levy County.
At press time, McDaniel was being held at the Gilchrist County Jail on a $74,000 bail.