Lost Hiker Rescued in New York Faces Major Felony After Police Find 45 Grams of Mushrooms
A Brooklyn man was arrested after a psilocybin-fueled hiking trip in a New York State Park went sideways, leaving him wandering alone through the woods at night.
On June 16th, New York State Police announced the arrest of Jashiya B. Smith, 30, of Brooklyn, on a charge of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 2nd Degree (Hallucinogen), a Class A-II felony.
New York State Park Police responded around 8pm on Monday, June 15th, to reports of lost hikers in Harriman State Park near Stahahe Lake. Smith was among the group. According to police, he had allegedly consumed psilocybin mushrooms, and after a verbal altercation broke out within the group, he became overwhelmed and fled into the woods alone.
Smith eventually made his way out of the park, reaching Arden Valley Road near Island Pond Road in the Town of Tuxedo around 11pm, where he was able to call for help. During the subsequent investigation, officers found Smith in possession of approximately 45 grams of psilocybin mushrooms. He was arrested and transported to State Police Monroe for processing without incident.
Smith was arraigned June 16th in Tuxedo Town Court and released on his own recognizance. He is due back in court July 8th. The New York State Police were assisted by the Town of Tuxedo Police Department and the New York State Park Police. The investigation remains ongoing.
Harriman State Park, located roughly 35 miles northwest of New York City, is one of the most visited state parks in the country and a popular destination for day hikers from the metro area.
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