By Leah Justice
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Columbus man last week after officers discovered drugs during a license checkpoint and later discovered the suspect was involved in a breaking and entering.

Erik Charping, 18, of Fox Mountain Road, Columbus was arrested and charged with two counts of felony trafficking opium, misdemeanor simple possession of a schedule IV controlled substance, felony breaking and entering, three counts of felony larceny and damage to personal property, according to sheriff reports.
During the license checkpoint, a pickup truck came through and deputies said they noticed suspicious activity amongst the occupants. After speaking with the driver and passenger of the truck, it was discovered the passenger was in possession of a variety of prescription drugs, according to reports.
Charping had four types of controlled substances in his possession, including Clonazepam, Oxycodone, Hydrocodon-Acetaminoph and Promethazine, all in original bottles prescribed to different individuals, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies questioned Charping as to how he obtained the prescription medication and according to reports, Charping said he had been given permission to go into the residence listed on the prescription bottles and retrieve them for safekeeping.
Sheriff’s officers went to the residence, located in the Silver Creek Community (formerly known as Land O’ Lakes), and discovered numerous windows were broken in the home. Detectives notified the homeowner to let her known her home had been broken into and she met officers at her home.
Damage to the property and items stolen from the property is estimated at more than $10,000, according to reports.
Detectives are still investigating to try and locate some of the other items that were stolen from the home.
Charping was released from custody on a $72,500 bond, according to sheriff reports.
Charping’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 27.