Davagator
09-01-2004, 03:54 PM
9/1/2004 A 15th Street man accused of driving the wrong way on a one-way street in a stolen car saw his problems complicated Tuesday when a bag of crack cocaine fell from his boot in front of a judge and prospective jurors, authorities said.
Carl M. Cooper, 30, had been free on $15,000 bail until the drugs fell from his boot during a conference with Erie County Judge Shirley Troutman, authorities said.
Cooper was taken into custody moments later. Troutman then declared a mistrial and relieved trial attorney Emily Trott from representing Cooper, who could face a possible life term as an incorrigible felon. She appointed veteran trial attorney John K. Jordan to represent Cooper.
District Attorney G. Michael Drmacich said the bag's contents are being tested at the Central Police Services Crime Lab.
The prosecutor said Cooper was arrested Nov. 1 by police as he drove the vehicle, reportedly stolen in Bradford, Pa., the wrong way down an alley off Hertel Avenue toward Crestwood Avenue.
:!: Dumbass award!
Carl M. Cooper, 30, had been free on $15,000 bail until the drugs fell from his boot during a conference with Erie County Judge Shirley Troutman, authorities said.
Cooper was taken into custody moments later. Troutman then declared a mistrial and relieved trial attorney Emily Trott from representing Cooper, who could face a possible life term as an incorrigible felon. She appointed veteran trial attorney John K. Jordan to represent Cooper.
District Attorney G. Michael Drmacich said the bag's contents are being tested at the Central Police Services Crime Lab.
The prosecutor said Cooper was arrested Nov. 1 by police as he drove the vehicle, reportedly stolen in Bradford, Pa., the wrong way down an alley off Hertel Avenue toward Crestwood Avenue.
:!: Dumbass award!