While on routine patrol Monday, Galesburg Police observed a sedan fail to signal and initiated a traffic stop. Police made contact with the driver: 42-year old Cassie Wood of Galesburg; and police recognized two of the three passengers: 28-year old Marco Mercado of Galesburg, and 27-year old Brandon McLaren of Galesburg. Dispatched informed that Mercado had a valid Knox County Warrant for Domestic Battery and was placed under arrest. According to police reports, after an opened bottle of alcohol was seen in the vehicle, the other occupants were asked to step out. A search of Wood’s purse turned up a crystal shard that field-tested positive for methamphetamine, approximately 3.5 grams of cannabis, and a cannabis “hitter” pipe. A search of McLaren turned up approximately 8 grams of cannabis. Wood was arrested for Operating an Uninsured Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Transportation of Cannabis, and Possession of Meth less than 5 grams. McLaren was arrested for Unlawful Possession of Cannabis, and Illegal Transportation of Alcohol as a Passenger. Wood and McLaren were transported to the Knox County Jail.
