Driver Causes Wreck, Arrested for Possession of Marijuana, LIVINGSTON, January 2, 2015 - Shortly after 1 pm on January 2, 2015, a Blue 2006 Toyota Yaris, driven by Mae Nelson, 64, of Livingston, was east-bound on West Church Street. The driver of a tan 1997 Lincoln Mark VIII, driven by Emerson James, 20, of Cold Spring was south-bound on Drew Street and attempted to pull across Church Street, but failed to yield to Nelson. Nelson's vehicle impacted James' vehicle sending both to the south-side of Church street. Americare Ambulance Service was dispatched to the scene along with Officers Brandon Brewer and Kaleb Barker (both with Livingston Police Department) to investigate. Mae Nelson was transported by ambulance to CHI Livingston Memorial Hospital with undisclosed injuries. Officer Brewer smelled the scent of marijuana coming from Emerson James. With probable cause established, a vehicle search did in fact turn up marijuana. Additionally, James had unopened beer in the back seat of his vehicle. Emerson James was placed under arrest for possession of marijuana, and was also cited for failure to yield right-of-way, violation of DL restriction (he wasn't wearing his prescription glasses or contacts when driving in accordance with his DL restriction), and minor in possession of alcohol. Traffic on West Church was partially blocked during investigation and cleanup. Both vehicles were recovered by Ken's Towing and will be stored at Harrison Body Shop in Livingston.
Special thank you: Steve H, Chad Summers, and Ken withKen's Towing
Mae Nelson's 2006 Toyota Yaris appears totaled from the collision.
Officer Kaleb Barker with Livingston PD found a cigarillo pouch that contained marijuana...
... Officer Barker emptied the contents of the pouch into his hand (marijuana came out).
Officer Brewer (right) questions James about the contraband.
Uniforms suggest that James works at a correctional facility.
Houdini assisted with vehicle recovery operations.
The Rookie: Heidi assisted with the reporting of this story (on her own).
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