A Roanoke Rapids man was charged by Enfield police Friday for having narcotics in a running vehicle in which unattended children were inside.

Captain Chuck Hasty said the case remains under investigation.

Shortly after 10:45 p.m., Hasty said in a statement, Corporal J. Shoemaker was investigating a motor vehicle violation on the parking lot of a local business in the 100 block of South McDaniel Street.

The officer observed the children in the car and detected the strong odor of marijuana coming from inside it.

Shoemaker located the driver of the vehicle, Markell Deshaun Harris, 28, and conducted a search of the vehicle, locating narcotics and paraphernalia.

Hasty said Harris has acquaintances in the Enfield area.

Harris was charged with possession of marijuana; possession of oxycodone; possession of Lorazepam; possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of an open container. He was also cited for regulatory violations on the vehicle.

He received a $5,000 bond and April 24 court date.

Officer W. Hammiel assisted.