A 34-year-old man found under the Cortez Bridge smoking a narcotic known as Spice was arrested Feb. 8 on a warrant served by a Manatee County Sheriff’s deputy.
The Bradenton Beach Police Department requested the warrant for Christopher Ulmer after finding 21 grams of the synthetic cannabis-like substance on him Nov. 11, 2015, at the east end of the bridge.
Due to drug identification required by law — something BBPD can’t test for on the road — the drugs were confiscated and subject was released from custody pending the outcome.
An MCSO deputy initially confronted Ulmer in 2015 because the officer noticed him smoking what smelled like marijuana and called BBPD for an assist.
In December, lab results identified the drug as a schedule-one narcotic, which, according to state law, is unsafe with a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use.
Smoking Spice is reported to cause heart attacks, kidney problems, agitation, vomiting, hallucinations and acute psychoses.
Ulmer is listed alternatively with a Bradenton address and as homeless in court records.
He was booked at the Manatee County jail, posted $1,500 and was released.
Ulmer’s court arraignment is set for 8:55 a.m. March 11 at the Manatee County Judicial Center, 1051 Manatee Ave. W., Bradenton.