17 Lbs. of Pot Found at 2-Car Crash, Driver Arrested

A 53-year-old Nevada City man was arrested last week on drug-related charges after officers allegedly discovered 17 pounds of marijuana in his vehicle while investigating a two-car accident, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Douglas P. Taylor was taken into custody following the 7 p.m. crash on Thursday, Nov. 21, on state Highway 12 near Kirkland Ranch Road, according to a CHP report released today to Napa Valley Patch.

Taylor, driving a 2013 KIA Soul, was traveling on Highway 12 westbound approaching Kirland Ranch Road. The second car, a 2005 Ford Mustang, driven by Ashley Mendez, 26, of Napa, was slowing to stop directly in front of the KIA as they approached Kirkland Ranch Road.

According to the CHP, Taylor failed to observe that the Mustang was slowing to a stop. Taylor attempted to avoid a crash with the rear of the Mustang by braking and swerving to the left, the CHP aid.

As Taylor turned the KIA to the left, the right front of the KIA collided with the left side of the Mustang. Both vehicles sustained minor damage, the CHP said.

The vehicles were moved to the right shoulder and traffic was minimally affected.

When officers arrived on scene and began their crash investigation, officers allegedly detected the strong odor of marijuana coming from the inside compartment of the KIA, the CHP said. The investigating officer also allegedly observed signs and symptoms of intoxication from Taylor, police said.

The officers said they determined that Taylor was under the influence of cannabis and was placed under arrest. Officers then said they allegedly located about 17 pounds of marijuana inside the rear compartment of the KIA.

Taylor was booked into the Napa County Department of Corrections.