On Oct. 22, the Reporting Officer (R/O) was conducting stationary patrol at the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Alumni Drive when he observed the subject vehicle disregard the stop sign at said intersection. The R/O pulled behind the vehicle and initiated his lights. The subject vehicle came to a stop in a parking space in front of the apartment complex.
At this time, the R/O approached the vehicle to explain the reason for the stop and asked for the subject’s credentials. During this initial interaction, the subject had his door open, stating that his driver-side window did not work. While the door was open, the R/O noticed a bag of tobacco sitting in the driver’s door pocket, as well as an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. When asked what the bag was, the subject stated it was “wrap guts.”
The R/O then asked if there was any marijuana in the car, to which the subject answered that he only had one marijuana cigarette and presented it to the R/O. The R/O then requested an additional unit in order to perform a vehicle search. While waiting for an additional unit, the R/O obtained the subject’s driver’s license and registration, but the subject was unable to produce valid proof of insurance.
Finding nothing on the subject or passenger of the vehicle, the R/O then began a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, the RHPD officer was able to contact the subject’s insurance provider and confirm that the vehicle possessed valid insurance. The R/O finished the search without locating any further evidence of drug violation. A criminal history of the subject came back clean.
After confirming that the subject had no other drug violations, the R/O allowed him to return to the vehicle and allowed the passenger to leave the scene. Due to the small amount, honesty of the subject, and lack of other drug violations, the R/O did not charge the subject for possession of marijuana.
The R/O did seize the marijuana cigarette, weighing in at 0.9 grams, to be put into evidence and destroyed. The R/O then issued the subject a citation for disregarding a stop sign. The R/O explained the reason for the citation, the penalties, and the time, date, and location of the subject’s court appearance. The R/O then cleared the scene.
