A 40-year-old Mt. Vernon man was taken into custody on drug and weapons charges following a rear-end collision on US 50, east of Odin, late Saturday afternoon around 4:45.
Rodney Moore, of Main Street in Mt. Vernon, was arrested for armed violence, aggravated battery, possession of a weapon by a felon, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of 30 to 100 grams of cannabis. Authorities allege Moore battered the driver of a vehicle that struck his car from behind.
The other driver involved in the incident was identified as 26-year-old Sean Chapman of Decatur. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Department, neither Moore nor Chapman required hospital treatment. However, a passenger in Moore’s vehicle, 44-year-old Yvonne Hamilton of Parkland Lane in Mt. Vernon, was transported to the hospital for a minor injury.
Deputies reported that a Salem police canine was brought to the scene after the odor of cannabis was detected. The dog alerted to the presence of controlled substances, prompting a search of Moore’s vehicle. Officers reportedly found a controlled substance, cannabis, and a handgun inside.
Moore was booked into the Marion County Jail in Salem and appeared in court Monday. Judge Erika Sanders ordered Moore held without bond, noting Moore was on pretrial release from a felony in Jefferson County, the location of the gun and cocaine in the vehicle, and his history of violent offenses.
Moore is due back in court for a preliminary hearing on October 28th. A public defender has been appointed to represent him.
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