A 911 caller reported a stranger’s car in his yard at 2:15 a.m. Police found heroin when they arrived.
Benjamin C. Soderberg, 42, Iola, is charged with felony possession of narcotics and misdemeanor bail jumping.
At 2:15 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 3, Waupaca Police Officer Matthew Batte was dispatched to the 400 block of North Washington Street in response to a suspicious activities complaint.
The caller reported some people and a vehicle were in his driveway and may be dealing drugs.
When he arrived, Batte observed a Subaru sports utility vehicle parked in the yard and a man in the driver’s seat who was moving around.
As Batte approached the vehicle, the driver started it and put it into reverse. Batte told him to shut off the engine. The driver complied and identified himself as Soderberg.
According to the criminal complaint, when Batte asked him why he was parked in the yard, Soderberg said he was waiting for a friend but it did not look like she was home.
The resident of the home, however, told police he did not know Soderberg.
Bate reported Soderberg’s pupils were dilated and unresponsive to light. He appeared pale and shaky, and Batte suspected Soderberg was high on something.
Batte also observed the knotted corner of a small plastic bag in the center console and an open safe on the front passenger seat.
When Batte told Soderberg to exit his vehicle, Soderberg reportedly refused, then put the key into the ignition.
Sgt. Mario Graceffa arrived to assist, and Soderberg stepped out of his car, after closing the safe.
Soderberg gave consent to search his car, the complaint says.
Under the driver’s seat, officers reported finding a small plastic bag containing a one-eighth-inch powdery rock that tested positive for heroin.
Soderbeg appeared in court on Aug. 4 and was released on a $2,000 signature bond with the conditions that he must not possess any illegal drugs and continue his current drug treatment program.