Verona, NY — June 28, 2025:
State Police responded to a report of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle at Verona Beach State Park in the town of Verona, Oneida County, at approximately 6:09 p.m. Upon arrival, Troopers located the vehicle in question parked in a designated space, surrounded by several fresh skid marks, indicating erratic driving behavior.
Troopers interviewed the vehicle’s owner, who reported that while she was swimming, a male—later identified as Joel M. Emerson, 33, of Oneida, NY—took her vehicle without permission. According to the owner, Emerson drove the vehicle recklessly through the public parking lot. A State Park Ranger also witnessed Emerson operating the vehicle in an erratic manner.
When Troopers made contact with Emerson, they observed clear signs of impairment. A strong odor of burnt marijuana was detected emanating from both the vehicle and Emerson’s clothing. Emerson was subjected to standardized field sobriety tests, which he failed. He was subsequently placed under arrest.
Emerson was transported to SP Sylvan Beach and formally charged with the following offenses:
- Operating a Motor Vehicle Impaired by Drugs (Misdemeanor)
- Aggravated Unlicensed Operation 1st: Impaired by Drugs (Class E Felony)
- Operating a Vehicle Without a License (Infraction)
During the booking process, authorities discovered that Emerson had an outstanding arrest warrant from the state of Texas, with full extradition, for assault on a public servant and attempted disarming of an officer.
Following this discovery, Emerson was turned over to the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation as a Fugitive from Justice. He was then transported to the Oneida County Jail for arraignment.
The investigation remains ongoing.
