CENTER TWP — A suspected drug dealer is accused of agreeing to sell an ounce of cocaine to a state police informant Monday night outside the Clearview Mall.

Ronnie Brooks, 34, of Center Township remains in the Butler County Prison in lieu of $200,000 bond on a felony charge of possession with the intent to deliver a controlled substance.

He is also charged with possession of a controlled substance.

District Judge Sue Haggerty arraigned Brooks and imposed a relatively high bond, fearing the defendant could be a flight risk.

Police said Brooks, who is originally from New Jersey, also has an extensive out-of-state criminal record, including arrests for homicide, robbery and jumping bail.

Police said the confidential informant on Monday evening called Brooks on the defendant's cell phone and asked to buy an ounce of cocaine for $1,600, according to court documents.

Ashort time later, Brooks arrived at the mall in a car driven by an Ohio man. The defendant and informant about 8:40 p.m. walked into the Giant Eagle and in a few minutes returned to the car.

Vice officers moved in and detained all three men, police said. The owner of the car agreed to allow officers to search the vehicle.

Police found a can of spray paint with a false compartment that held a baggie containing about an ounce of suspected cocaine, documents said.

Brooks faces a preliminary hearing at 3 p.m. Oct. 3 before District Judge Lewis Stoughton.