Memphis suspect Elijah Scales, found asleep outside a penal farm with bolt cutters and a loaded Glock, faces multiple felony charges

A Memphis man was arrested after deputies allegedly found him asleep in a car near the penal farm surrounded by drugs, tools and a loaded handgun, authorities said.

The man inside the passenger seat was identified as Memphis resident Elijah Scales, according to records.

A routine early-morning patrol turned into a broader criminal investigation on August 29, authorities said.

A Shelby County Sheriff’s deputy was patrolling Gardener Road near the penal farm at approximately 3 a.m., according to records.

The deputy noticed a black Chevrolet Malibu parked off the side of the roadway, authorities said.

Scales was allegedly asleep inside the passenger seat of the parked car, according to records. But he appeared to be the vehicle’s only occupant when the deputy approached, authorities said.

The deputy immediately noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the Malibu, deputies said.

A bag containing what appeared to be a leafy green substance was sitting inside a cup holder, according to records.

The suspect was detained at the scene, authorities said.

Scales then allegedly gave the deputy another potentially important piece of information, according to records.

The accused reportedly told the deputy that two other people had been with him, authorities said. But he claimed he did not know where they had gone, records show.

The deputy noticed footprints leading away from the driver’s side of the Malibu toward a wooded area, according to records.

Authorities conducted a search of the surrounding area, deputies said. But investigators reportedly could not locate anyone else, records show.

Deputies then conducted a search of the vehicle, according to records.

Investigators allegedly discovered a loaded Glock 26 9mm handgun inside the vehicle, authorities said.

The Glock contained 16 live rounds in its magazine, according to records.

Deputies also recovered a saw power tool from the vehicle, records show.

Investigators reported finding bolt cutters inside the car, authorities said.

A large bag containing miscellaneous items was also allegedly discovered inside the Malibu, according to records.

Inside that bag, investigators allegedly found several lighters, three cellphones and charging cables, authorities said.

The bag also contained multiple cartons of cigarettes, rolling papers, a multitool and drug paraphernalia, according to records.

Deputies also reported finding oxycodone, alprazolam and dextroamphetamine inside the vehicle, records show.

Authorities seized five medium-sized bags of marijuana weighing a combined 135 grams, deputies said.

The location and the collection of items allegedly discovered resulted in Scales facing numerous criminal charges, according to records.

He was charged with multiple counts of possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture, deliver or sell, authorities said.

Those drug charges involve marijuana, oxycodone, alprazolam and dextroamphetamine, records show.

The defendant was additionally charged with unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon and possession of burglary tools, deputies said.

Prosecutors also charged the suspect with possession of a weapon during the commission of a dangerous felony, according to records.

Following his arrest, the accused was transported to 201 Poplar, where authorities interviewed him, records show.

Scales was subsequently released after making bail, according to records.

The defendant is expected back in court on September 9 at 9 a.m., records show.