Moron of the week

[Securb]

A 21-year-old Salem man reportedly called 911 to say that his marijuana was missing, but when deputies arrived, he was booked on drunken-driving charges instead, officials said.


It began at 12:52 a.m. Tuesday as a report of a vehicle break-in at the Freeloader Tavern, 501 Lancaster Drive SE, said sheriff's spokeswoman Lt. Sheila Lorance.

A man told dispatchers that while he was in the bar, someone broke into his truck, stole $400 cash, a jacket and about 3/4 ounce of marijuana, valued at about $180.

Deputy Ryan Clarke went to the tavern but was unable to find the driver. About an hour later, the driver called 911 again, angry that deputies had not arrived.

Lorance said the dispatcher had difficulty understanding the caller because the driver was driving and stopping several times to vomit.

Deputies eventually found the man at 49th Avenue and Fontana Court SE, where he had parked. The man, who was found about 100 feet from his truck, told deputies that he was looking for the people who stole his "weed."

Clarke said the driver was drunk.

Clarke took a theft report from the man regarding his missing items but explained the implications of possessing marijuana, Lorance said. If the driver, who did not have a medical-marijuana card, was found in possession of marijuana, he would have been charged with possession of a controlled substance.

Calvin Hoover, 21, of Salem was arrested on charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants