Teen Burn Victim Arrested on Drug Charges
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Photodisc/Digital Vision/Thinkstock(WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.) — Michael Brewer, who was set on fire by three teens in 2009, has been arrested on felony and misdemeanor drug charges.
Brewer was stopped by Florida Highway Patrol on Wednesday after running a red light and was found with marijuana, crack-cocaine, oxycodone and drug paraphernalia in his possession. Thursday morning, he faced a judge in Palm Beach County court and was given a $6,000 bond. He was released and, according to the Miami Herald, was warned to “stay out of trouble” and undergo random drug testing.
Brewer was in the news in 2009 when he was attacked by three teens who poured alcohol on him and set him on fire. He was able to run away and jump into a nearby pool, but suffered second and third-degree burns to 65 percent of his body. Brewer nearly died and was in a medically induced coma for three weeks. Then he endured numerous skin graft surgeries and months of rehabilitation.
The teens responsible for the attack were convicted and sentenced to 8-11 years behind bars.
Brewer, 18, now finds himself facing charges.
According to the arrest report, Trooper M.N. Vasconcelos saw the van that Brewer was driving make a U-turn on a red light and pulled the vehicle over. The report notes when the trooper approached the vehicle he, “smelled a strong odor of raw marijuana” coming from inside.
After asking Brewer to step out of the vehicle, the report reads, “a zip-lock plastic bag containing a green leafy substance fell on the ground, followed by a brown pill container, containing little white rocks.” The report states the substances were field-tested and were positive for marijuana and crack-cocaine. Also found in the car, according to the report, were 14 glass pipes, a glass bong, empty pill containers, a grinder, cigarette papers, a straw and a pocket knife.
There were three teens in the van with Brewer at the time of the traffic stop, ages 19, 16 and 15. None of them were arrested or charged with any crimes.
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