SALINE COUNTY- Law enforcement authorities in Saline County are investigating an alleged drug suspect.

Just after 5 a.m. on Wednesday, officers were sent to a parking lot behind an apartment building at 111 E. Iron in Salina on a report of suspicious activity, according to police Captain Mike Sweeney.

As an officer approached a red Mustang, he noticed a chrome handgun underneath the legs of Earnest Skillern, 51, Topeka who was sitting in the driver’s seat.

The officer drew his weapon, and called for backup. When he tried to open the door of the car, Skillern drove off.

The car was found in a driveway in the 100 block of North Columbia a short time later.

A Kansas Highway Patrol K-9 helped locate Skillern not far away hiding underneath another car.

The dog also found a makeup bag on the playground of nearby Oakdale Elementary School with five small baggies containing methamphetamine and digital scales. Police believe Skillern threw the bag there.

A search of the car also found two additional handguns in the glove compartment.

Skillern was booked into the Saline County Jail on requested charges of possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possession of firearms by a felon, driving while suspended, and driving under the influence.