Hinesville Patrolman Michael Troutman was driving a prisoner Saturday evening to the Liberty County Regional Jail, and had stopped for the traffic light at the intersection of Frank Cochran and West Oglethorpe Highway when he was struck from behind by Akeem Walthour, 20, of Riceboro — driving an older model Buick. Walthour had a passenger, Chuckie Youmans, 17, in the vehicle with him.
According to the incident report filed by Troutman, GSP Trooper Thornell King was called to investigate and assess damage, which amounted to a scratch on the rear bumper of the cruiser.
When King instructed Walthour to move the vehicle off the main thoroughfare in order to issue him a citation and keep the flow of traffic moving, Troutman noticed a clear plastic bag that appeared to contain marijuana where the vehicle had been sitting.
Troutman, Lt. Bill Oberlander and traffic accident investigator Jassen Garrett questioned Youmans about the bag and Youmans admitted the marijuana belonged to him. Youmans was placed under arrest and during a search of his clothing and vehicle, officers found more marijuana in his pants pocket, passenger seat and the floorboard of the vehicle. According to MACE Cmdr. Al Cato, the marijuana amounted to about 4 grams.
“In Georgia, this is considered a misdemeanor amount, which could result in a fine and possible probation.” Cato said.
In addition, officers found two bottles of gin — one of which was open — and five bottles of beer. A breathalyzer administered by King indicated Walthour had not been drinking.
The men were taken to the Hinesville Police Department where they were processed and released on their own recognizance with an October court date in the Hinesville municiple court.
The prisoner in the patrol car was Cornelius Irvin, who was arrested with South Carolina fugitive Antwan Chaney. Chaney is wanted in connection with the shooting death of Joshua Tiger in Beaufort County during an August robbery. Irvin was injured in the accident and taken to Liberty Regional Medical Center for minor injuries, according to King. Irvin was released and is currently in the Liberty County Regional Jail. He has been charged with receiving stolen property and obstruction of justice.
According to the incident report, Youmans was charged with possession of marijuana, possession of alcohol by a minor and violation of the open container law.
Walthour was charged with liquor possession.