Nissan Rogue Traffic Stop Leads To A Substantial Drug Stash: NYSP

CITY OF NEWBURGH, NY — A Hudson Valley stop for traffic violations soon turned into a a felony drug arrest, according to police.

New York State Police say that on Wednesday, around 3:24 p.m., members of the Troop F Community Stabilization Unit saw a 2021 Nissan Rogue traveling on Gidney Avenue, in the City of Newburgh, committing traffic violations.

Troopers stopped the vehicle and interviewed the driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, identified as 34-year-old Thomas H. Cousar, of Poughkeepsie.

During the investigation, troopers found Cousar to be in possession of a clear plastic bag containing around 59.7 grams of cocaine. He attempted to flee the traffic stop but was quickly taken into custody, according to troopers.

Cousar was taken to Middletown for processing and was charged with felony third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, felony third-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance (intent to sell), misdemeanor second-degree obstructing governmental administration, misdemeanor resisting arrest, and several vehicle/traffic violations.

He was arraigned in the Orange County Central Arraignment Part and remanded to the Orange County Jail without bail.