Local authorities were notified around 4 pm about a driver in a white Tesla Model 3 who appeared to be asleep behind the wheel while traveling west on US-70, reported Jalopnik.com.After following the car for about a mile, officers positioned their vehicles in front of the Tesla, triggering its sensors and causing the car to finally stop.
Police confirmed that the driver was indeed asleep with the car on Autopilot.
Drugs worth over $100,000 found
After stopping the vehicle, officers woke Michael Goodman and conducted a field sobriety test. Goodman consented to a search of his car, which led to the discovery of several dozen boxes of vape pens containing illegal substances, including 200 grams of THC, 400 grams of methamphetamine, and 400 grams of MDMA. Police estimated the street value of the drugs at over $100,000.
Man asleep at wheel of Tesla pulled over in Wilson’s Mills, police say
Charges against Goodman
Goodman was arrested and charged with multiple offenses, including trafficking MDMA and methamphetamine, both classified as Class D felonies. He also faced charges of possession with intent to sell or deliver marijuana, a Class H felony, and felony possession of marijuana, classified as a Class I felony. Additionally, Goodman was charged with reckless driving and failure to heed emergency lights or sirens, both Class 2 misdemeanors. He was taken to a local detention center and later released on a $50,000 bond.
Police comments on the unusual nature of the arrest
Wilson’s Mills Police Chief AZ Williams commented on the unusual nature of the arrest. “I’ve been in this business for a long time, and you think you’ve seen it all,” Williams told CBS 17.
“Mr Goodman was sound asleep behind the wheel for over a mile after officers encountered him. There is always something new,” he added.