ESOPUS – What started out as an accident where a driver struck a utility pole and was surrounded by downed power lines on Route 9W in the Town of Esopus, was later arrested on charges of drug possession and driving while ability impaired by drugs.
State Police from the Highland barracks were called to a one-car crash when Malik Worrell, 19, of the Town of Poughkeepsie, was driving a Mercedes Benz C300 and struck the pole on the afternoon of Saturday, April 25.
He was confused but able to communicate with troopers and fire department personnel and told to stay in the vehicle until the lines were safely secured by Central Hudson Gas and Electric crews.
Worrell was transported to MidHudson Regional Hospital.
As troopers were investigating the crash scene and vehicle, they observed marijuana in the car and also found Alprazolam and a plastic bottle containing a liquid that was later identified as PCP.
Worrell was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance as a felony and misdemeanor, as well was aggravated unlicensed operation.
He was issued an appearance ticket returnable to Esopus Town Court.
