On March 31, the Reporting Officer (R/O) was conducting stationary speed limit enforcement at the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Winthrop Alumni Drive. The R/O observed a dark colored Nissan Rogue driving at 34 mph. The speed of the vehicle was verified utilizing the RADAR unit in patrol vehicle #52.
The R/O conducted a traffic stop on the Nissan Rogue at the intersection of Camden Avenue and Fairfield Avenue. The R/O made contact with the driver, who had no Winthrop affiliation, and informed the driver that he had been driving 14 mph over the speed limit on Winthrop Alumni Drive.
It was at this time that the driver informed the R/O that his driver’s license had been suspended two months ago. The R/O had Winthrop police dispatch enter the driver’s information into NCIC. Winthrop police dispatch was unable to verify whether his driver’s license was suspended. Sgt. Reid informed the driver of this issue. The driver explained to Reid that he knew his driver’s license was suspended because he never went to the DMV to retake his driving exam.
The R/O issued the driver a warning for speeding and a traffic ticket for driving under suspension. The driver was able to contact his mother and she was able to pick up both him and the car.
On March 31, the Reporting Officer and Officer Rodgers were conducting vehicle maintenance at the 7-Eleven at 1001 Oakland Ave. Upon entering the store, the 7-Eleven store clerk stated that there was a suspicious vehicle that had been parked behind his vehicle for three hours, and he believed that the suspect was trying to steal his license plate.
The R/O and Rodgers proceeded to make contact with the suspicious vehicle. Once contact was made, the R/O observed the suspect sleeping in the driver’s seat and some money on the front passenger seat and floorboard. Rodgers attempted to wake up the suspect, and after several attempts, he finally awoke.
Rodgers could immediately observe by the suspect’s slurred speech, dilated eyes and inability to speak coherently that the suspect was possibly under the influence of narcotics. Rodgers asked the suspect if he had taken any drugs. The suspect stated that he had taken a Xanax before arriving at the 7-Eleven gas station.
Rodgers asked the suspect if he would consent to a search of his person. The R/O and Rodgers detained the suspect by placing him in handcuffs, double locking them and checking for proper fit. During the search, Rodgers discovered a clear box that contained a white powdery substance in the suspect’s right front pocket and a blue straw in the suspect’s left front pocket that also contained a white, powdery substance. The R/O identified the suspect as having no Winthrop affiliation and dispatch confirmed that the suspect’s license was suspended.
Rodgers observed a small bag of pills in the driver’s seat of the vehicle and began a probable cause search of the vehicle. Rodgers discovered a small bag of pills between the center console and the front passenger seat, along with multiple 10, 20 and 100 dollar bills scattered on the passenger seat and floorboard, totaling $361. Rodgers also discovered a digital scale in the center console.
While continuing the search, Rodgers discovered a Rhode Island and a Georgia license plate on the rear passenger side seat. Dispatch ran each license plate and advised that neither license plate had been stolen. The R/O then read the suspect his Miranda rights from a card given to him by the SCCJA. Rodgers requested the Rock Hill Police Department to assist with a test kit of the narcotics. Officer Thomas Marco (RHPD) and Sgt. Daniel Burkhart (RHPD) arrived on the scene to assist.
Because of the possibility of the substance being fentanyl, it was best determined by Rodgers and Burkhart that the substance should be sent to a lab for testing.
Burkhart contacted the York County Multi-jurisdictional Drug Enforcement Unit (YCMDEU) to advise on the appropriate criminal charges that should be made. The R/O requested for Interstate Towing & Fleet Services to tow the suspect’s vehicle. The R/O filled out a tow slip of the suspect’s vehicle, which included an inventory report as well. Marco stayed with the vehicle while the R/O and Rodgers transported the suspect to the Rock Hill City Jail.
After arriving at Rock Hill City Jail, Agent Sean Leary of the YCMDEU advised that YCMDEU would take over the case. The suspect was released into the custody of Leary, as were the narcotics and cash that were found in the vehicle.
