Highlands County, FL - A Florida man's attempt to elude law enforcement came to an abrupt end when he was discovered concealed inside a McDonald's trash compactor.
The incident unfolded when deputies from the Highlands County Sheriff's Office pulled over 27-year-old Danilo Melendez Jr., who was riding his bicycle at approximately 12:25 a.m. on Saturday.
Police say Melendez's bicycle lacked reflectors or lights, and he was towing a makeshift wagon containing a cooler.
Sgt. Maylin Hernandez and Deputy Alex Brock enlisted the assistance of K-9 Drax to conduct a search around the wagon.
During the search, Drax alerted his handlers to the presence of "no-no things" in the cooler.
Initially, Melendez claimed that the cooler contained only tools.
However, as deputies intensified their inspection, he grew increasingly agitated.
Inside the cooler, police discovered prescription pills containing a small quantity of fentanyl and a syringe that later tested positive for methamphetamine.
As deputies were preparing to handcuff Melendez, he made a swift escape, fleeing down the street.
Authorities managed to locate Melendez shortly thereafter, concealed inside of a McDonald's trash compactor.
He was arrested and taken to jail.