Claverack, New York – On June 17, 2020, the New York State Police from the Livingston barracks arrested Rashard B. Garnett, age 32, of New York, NY, and Marcus A. Johnson, age 20, of North Adams, MA, for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3^rd degree, a class B felony.

At approximately 9:45 p.m., Troopers conducted a traffic stop on a 2014 Mercedes Benz for a violation of a vehicle and traffic law on the Taconic State Parkway in the town of Claverack.  While interviewing the occupants, probable cause was developed to search the vehicle.  Upon locating a bag containing approximately 97.5 grams of cocaine, the vehicle’s operator, Rashard Garnett, fled on foot into the nearby woods.

The Troop K Bloodhound handler and his partner Tilly were requested to the scene and located Garnett shortly after.  Garnett was taken into custody without further incident.

Both subjects were arraigned virtually before the town of Livingston Court and released upon their own recognizance to appear before the town of Claverack Court on August 8, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.