On the above date and time I was conducting traffic enforcement in the area of Pier Road.
While traveling South on Pier Road, I observed an older model, 4 door green Lexus traveling in the same direction directly in front of my patrol vehicle on the 2 lane roadway. I observed white smoke emitting from the tail pipe of the vehicle for several seconds (more then 5 seconds).
I notified dispatch of the traffic stop and I provided dispatch with the vehicle's Mississippi tag (HQV63). The final rest of both vehicles came to the parking lot of Avis/ Budget rental cars, located at 7315 U.S. Highway 19.
I exited my patrol vehicle and I made contact with the Black male driver/ defendant, later identified as Alpha Martinus Vassar. I advised the defendant of the reason for the traffic stop. The defendant stated that the vehicle belonged to his deceased mother, Irma Richardson. The defendant also acknowledged that smoke was coming from the exaust pipe due to the vehicle needing a new valve gasket.…show more content… The defendant handed his Florida card and stated "my license is suspended, I'm on bond for the last charge for driving with no license."
Dispatch conducted a wants and warrants cehck on the defendant with negative results. Dispatch confirmed that the defendant's Florida driver's license was suspended. A check on eAgent showed the defendant's DL status since 2012:
10/17/2012 SUSP-INDEF FAILED TO PAY TRAFFIC FINE(PENALTY) 2808FDV CO:28 CT:1
12/26/2017 SUSP-INDEF CRIMINAL-FAILED TO APPEAR A2HB9TE CO:28 CT:1
The defendant was then detained in handcuffs and placed inside of my patrol vehicle. Shortly after, Officer Howard arrived on the scene and searched the vehicle with negative results.
