Port St. Lucie third grade teacher had heroin capsules, syringes in his classroom, police say

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- (WPTV) -- A third grade teacher in Port St. Lucie was arrested at his school for possession of drug paraphernalia.

Port St. Lucie Police arrested 27-year-old Patrick John McLaughlin on two counts of possession of drug paraphernalia after two syringes and two used heroin capsules were found in his possession.

Police received an anonymous tip through Treasure Coast Crime Stoppers of potential drug-related activity involving a third grade teacher at Renaissance Charter School at 300 NW Cashmere Boulevard.

In response to the tip, police met with McLaughlin on Monday, January 9, 2017 at the school. Detectives searched his car parked on campus and no illegal drugs were found.

Detectives say they then searched McLaughlin's classroom desk and found a used heroin capsule. Detectives say they also found a used heroin capsule in the trash can under the same desk and two syringes in his pants pocket.