STUART, Fla. (CBS12) — A narcotics investigation in Stuart uncovered a troubling scene, a methamphetamine transaction occurred at a local dog park while a young child was present, according to police.

The Stuart Police Department said that the discovery was part of a controlled operation conducted between October 10 and October 24 to curb illegal drug activity in the community.

Investigators say the substance purchased during the exchange at Haney Creek Dog Park was later confirmed to be 3.9 grams of methamphetamine. The suspect was identified as Donald Michael Mendes, 56, following further investigation.

On December 4, officers located Mendes and the white Ford vehicle he had been using, according to the news release. A K-9 unit alerted to the presence of narcotics in the vehicle, prompting a search that uncovered firearms, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and other items linked to narcotics activity.

A narcotics investigation in Stuart revealed a disturbing incident when a methamphetamine deal took place at Haney Creek Dog Park while a young child was present, according to police. The transaction, part of a controlled operation between October 10 and October 24, involved 3.9 grams of methamphetamine and led investigators to identify 56-year-old Donald Michael Mendes as the suspect. On December 4, officers located Mendes and his white Ford vehicle, where a K-9 alert prompted a search uncovering firearms, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and other narcotics-related items. Mendes was arrested and now faces multiple felony charges, including selling drugs near a park, child neglect, and possession of firearms as a convicted felon. He remains in Martin County Jail on a $173,000 bond. Police say the case highlights the dangers of drug activity in public spaces and urges residents to report suspicious behavior to protect the community. (Stuart Police Department)

A narcotics investigation in Stuart revealed a disturbing incident when a methamphetamine deal took place at Haney Creek Dog Park while a young child was present, according to police. The transaction, part of a controlled operation between October 10 and October 24, involved 3.9 grams of methamphetamine and led investigators to identify 56-year-old Donald Michael Mendes as the suspect. On December 4, officers located Mendes and his white Ford vehicle, where a K-9 alert prompted a search uncovering firearms, ammunition, drug paraphernalia, and other narcotics-related items. Mendes was arrested and now faces multiple felony charges, including selling drugs near a park, child neglect, and possession of firearms as a convicted felon. He remains in Martin County Jail on a $173,000 bond. Police say the case highlights the dangers of drug activity in public spaces and urges residents to report suspicious behavior to protect the community. (Stuart Police Department)

Mendes was arrested and now faces multiple felonies, including:

Sale and delivery of a controlled substance near a parkPossession of methamphetamineChild neglectPossession of firearms and ammunition as a convicted felonPossession of drug paraphernalia

He is currently being held at the Martin County Jail on a $173,000 bond, according to Stuart PD.

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Police say the case underscores the dangers of narcotics activity in public spaces and the risks posed to children. The Stuart Police Department urges residents to report suspicious behavior to help keep the community safe.