A Vestavia Hills teen was arrested on six felony drug warrants, but some residents in the community weren't thrilled his mugshot was posted on the Vestavia Hills Police Department's Facebook page this week.

Police officials on Wednesday posted the arrest of 18-year-old Charles "Peyton" Dabbs, along with his mugshot. On Thursday, Chief Dan Rary took to Facebook again to defend the department for doing so. "Drug abuse is an extremely complicated social issue that we acknowledge handcuffs and jail cells alone will not fix,'' Rary wrote. "Our objective is to increase our community's awareness and solicit their help. If such posts generate one dinner table conversation between parents and their teenage child, prevents one person from making the decision to sell or use drugs, or simply raises awareness, then it was well worth any criticism we may endure."

The department's Special Investigations Unit from Dec. 2014 through April 2015 carried out an investigation into sales and distributions in and around Vestavia Hills. They said they received multiple tips pointing a finger at Dabbs as someone known to sell drugs. On April 23, detectives obtained six felony warrants and one misdemeanor warrant against the teen: five charges of unlawful distribution of a controlled substance (marijuana), one count of unlawful possession of marijuana and one count of unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, which is the misdemeanor.

Dabbs was booked into the Jefferson County Jail just before 11:30 p.m. with bond set at $390,300. He was later released five hours later.

Vestavia Hills police, like most law enforcement agencies, now use Facebook to announce arrests. News of Dabbs' arrest, however, prompted a flurry of commentary on the department Facebook page.

"I hope when it's legalized the records of all offenders are cleared. We are creating felons and ruining children's lives,'' one man wrote. "Great job super trooper."

Another wrote this: "I wish the department would respond to us on here. obviousley the majority of the public does not want kids getting locked up for harmless weed charges, i dont care how much he had in his possession. the city must be very broke"

And this: "Bust a heroine ring. Isn't that the problem in vhills??pathetic. CONGRATS VHPD!!! You got that plant!!! Find the substance that kills people, pansies."

There were also supporters. "If this were my child, I would be all about posting his face on social media,'' one woman wrote. "Maybe a little embarrassment will save his life one day. This is a gateway drug to many, more dangerous drugs. I think we all know how terrible the drug problem has been in Vestavia. Great job VHPD for doing your job!"

Chief Rary defended the move, and said there will be more to come. "Alcohol abuse and illegal drugs are at the root of most crime. Depending on which study you cite, 75-85% of those incarcerated have a history of drug or alcohol abuse,'' he wrote. "The sale of illegal drugs, regardless of the drug, is an extremely dangerous endeavor for both user and seller. The money involved and desire for drugs drives the increased potential for robbery, assault or even murder. The drugs being sold can be cut, laced or mixed well before it gets to the street level. The user can then suffer severe consequences or even death due to carelessness and greed."

He said there has been an expanded community effort to spread awareness and take action in regard to alcohol and drug abuse. From "Help the Hills" community forums, voluntary drug testing program at the high school, the Addiction Coalition's "Wake Up Breakfasts" and partnership with the city leaders, police and educators to activities of the Special Investigations Unit, all are in an effort to stem the tide of drug and alcohol abuse in Vestavia Hills.

"In the future expect to see more and more posts in regard to those arrested for the distribution/sale of illegal drugs,'' he wrote. "Again our hope is that it continues to spark conversation, serves as a deterrent and increases awareness throughout our community."