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A routine traffic stop this weekend turned into a major drug bust after a convicted felon out on pretrial release was caught with trafficking amounts of fentanyl hidden beneath a child’s car seat, according to Melbourne Police.

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Corwin “Sky” Mitchell, 28, was taken into custody Sunday afternoon following a stop conducted by Officer Fuller near Prospect Avenue and Avon Place. Mitchell, who has 13 prior felony convictions and is currently awaiting trial for charges including robbery and grand theft of a motor vehicle, now faces new charges related to drug trafficking and child endangerment.

Just after 1 p.m., Officer Fuller stopped a vehicle and immediately noticed the smell of marijuana coming from inside. He also observed the backseat passenger — later identified as Mitchell — making “furtive movements,” raising suspicions that he was attempting to hide something.

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Due to the circumstances, Officer Fuller requested a K-9 unit to conduct a “free air” sniff of the vehicle. Officer Johnson and K-9 Draco responded to the scene. The K-9 alerted to the presence of narcotics on the rear driver’s side, prompting a search of the vehicle.

That search revealed over 20 grams of fentanyl concealed underneath a child’s car seat — a discovery that police say could have had deadly consequences had it not been intercepted.

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Mitchell was arrested on the spot and charged with:

• Possession of fentanyl with intent to distribute
• Possession of drug paraphernalia
• Child abuse

Mitchell’s criminal record includes previous convictions for felony drug possession, grand theft, burglary, and fleeing and eluding law enforcement. He is currently being held at the Brevard County Jail on a $26,500 bond.

Authorities emphasized the danger posed by the potent synthetic opioid, especially when trafficked in proximity to children.

“This arrest likely saved lives,” said a Melbourne Police spokesperson. “Removing over 20 grams of fentanyl from our streets — particularly when it was concealed in a place meant to protect a child — underscores the ongoing threat posed by repeat offenders.”

The investigation is ongoing, and police have not released the names of the driver or other passengers.

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