Out of all the police reports we've read this year from agencies across the Valley, we've found the saddest reason someone was jailed on felony charges.
Kenneth Melton, a 33-year-old Phoenix resident, got caught only because he walked head-first into a tree.
According to court documents obtained by New Times, Melton was walking north on 43rd Avenue, near Carl T. Smith Middle School, a little before 6 p.m. May 20.
Phoenix police officers watched as Melton hit his head on the tree and apparently thought it was so bad that they stopped to make sure Melton was okay.
Police asked for Melton's name and date of birth during the "course of conversation," according to a probable-cause statement, but police couldn't find records of anyone with that name in Arizona.
Melton then admitted his real name and birthdate, saying that he lied because he had a felony warrant out for his arrest.
Melton was arrested at that point and admitted that he had a weed pipe in his pocket. Police also found a bag of pot on Melton during a search.
Melton was booked into jail on the felony warrant, as well as felony charges of marijuana possession and possession of drug paraphernalia.
All because he walked into a tree.
Court documents indicate police don't know whether Melton was high when he bumped into the tree.
Melton, who pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor marijuana charge in 2009, has since pleaded guilty to a "marijuana violation" in this case, court records show, and his sentencing is scheduled for next month.
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