Cheap Cigars, Pot Smell Lead to DUI Charge

A Hazel Crest man who police said smelled like marijuana while behind the wheel faces a drunken driving charge.

Jared Neely, 20, of the 17600 block of Arlington Lane, is accused of driving under the influence of drugs, driving without insurance and improper lane use on Sept. 26, according to a Homewood police report.

Cops saw a car drive straight through an intersection after stopping in the left-hand turn lane at a red light, the report states. The vehicle then cut in front of a semi truck and accelerated quickly. It was stopped by police at about 8:40 p.m. in the 17600 block of Halsted Street.

The driver, Neely, had a strong odor of marijuana on his clothing and breath, the report states. While speaking with Neely, police noticed a pack of cheap cigars, often used for smoking marijuana, in the front seat. An officer also noticed one passenger tuck something in his sock.

Neely denied smoking marijuana but informed police that he had been previously arrested on a charge of driving under the influence of drugs, the report states. One passenger claimed he had been smoking marijuana. Police had Neely perform tests for intoxication, after which they arrested him.

Police discovered that one passenger had several credit cards that did not belong to him in his sock, but released him without charges.

Neely is due on Nov. 15 in Markham court.