On Jan 12. the reporting officer was on patrol at the intersection of Charlotte Avenue and Myrtle Drive when they observed a black vehicle speed through a red traffic light. The officer proceeded to initiate a traffic stop on the vehicle at the intersection of Charlotte Avenue and Milton Avenue. The driver had no Winthrop affiliation. The officer asked the subject if he knew why he was being stopped, to which he responded, “yes, for running through the light.” While talking to the subject, the officer noticed the odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle, and this was confirmed when the subject blurted out that he had just smoked some in the car. The officer advised the subject to step out of the vehicle and move to the rear of the car.
The R/O questioned the subject on whether he had any marijuana on his possession or in the vehicle. The subject admitted that he had smoked it earlier and there was none left in the car. Due to what had already been detected, the officer advised the subject that his vehicle would be searched. When searching the vehicle the officer located a small amount of marijuana in the coin storage compartment. The officer also noted that the car had marijuana shake spread throughout as well as a digital scale which still had some marijuana residue left on it.
The officer seized the marijuana and the scale and advised the subject that he would be issued a South Carolina Uniform Traffic Ticket for Violation of Drug Laws (Possession of Marijuana 1st offense). The subject was also advised that he would be issued a warning for disregarding the traffic light at Charlotte Avenue and Myrtle Drive. Afterwards, the subject was released from the scene.
On Jan. 13 the reporting officer was working overtime in the south lot of the Coliseum when they observed a silver Ford pickup truck that had backed in behind the hedgerows at the front of the parking lot. Both the tires on the passenger side of the truck were flat and there was significant damage done to the rims. The license plate had been removed and the VIN number on the dash was covered up. An interstate wrecker was contacted and with the use of a slim jim tool, the officer was able to gain entry to the truck. The officer uncovered the VIN number and found the suspect through a DMV check. Officers soon located a concrete covered storm drain by Eden Terrace with significant damage and gouge marks in the road leading to the truck in the parking lot. The vehicle was towed with a hold placed on it pending the location of the truck’s owner.
On. Jan 15, the reporting officer requested the YCSO attempt to make contact with the suspect at the address listed on the side of his SCDL. They were able to make contact with the suspect’s former landlord who informed them that the suspect had left several months ago and did not know where he was or how to contact him. Later in the day, an individual called the WUPD inquiring about the vehicle. The officer spoke with her and the suspect who stated that he was driving by Eden Terrace when he dropped his phone and struck the drain, causing damage to the drain as well as his vehicle.
The officer advised the suspect to come to WUPD with his license and proof of insurance and complete an accident report. The suspect said that he would be in later that afternoon, but as of Jan. 20, the suspect has failed to make contact with the officer. Several attempts were made to get a hold of the suspect without success. The suspect will be issued with a warrant for leaving the scene of an accident.
On Jan. 19 the reporting officer was on patrol on Cherry Road in the City limits of Rock Hill when he observed a vehicle without its lights on. The officer initiated a traffic stop and the officer made contact with the subject, who had no Winthrop Affiliation. The subject stated that he did not have his driver’s license and the R/O ran the suspect’s information through NCIC. The suspect’s license was suspended and the vehicle’s information was under suspension as well. The officer informed the suspect that he would have to call someone to pick him up. The R/O then had dispatch call Interstate Towing to have the vehicle towed. The officer issued the suspect a citation for driving under suspension first offense. The vehicle was towed from the scene and the suspect’s mother arrived to pick him up.
