By Shavonne Walker

shavonne.walker@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A Salisbury man who was found passed out by a police officer was charged with heroin possession and cited for marijuana possession as well.

The Salisbury Police Department charged Damon Todd Shipton Jr., 27, with misdemeanor driving while impaired, felony possession of a controlled substance Schedule I, and misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia. Police issued citations for simple possession of marijuana and driving while license revoked.

The police officer who spotted Shipton noticed that he was unconscious in the driver’s seat at the corner of Partee and West Horah streets just before 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Shipton was treated at the scene by Rowan County emergency personnel. Police officials said they did not use the overdose reversal drug Narcan to revive him.

Shipton was taken to the Rowan County Magistrate’s Office and charged with driving while impaired.

The police officer also took Shipton to Novant Health Rowan Medical Center, where staffers drew blood to test for substances.

Officers found what they suspected was heroin in the car and a syringe that contained the same substance. Shipton was cooperative and polite with officers, a report noted.

Shipton remains in the Rowan County Detention Center under a $5,000 secured bond.

Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.