A routine traffic stop for speeding on Highway 69 Sunday afternoon resulted in the arrest of a Texas man after an Atoka Police Department officer detected the odor of marijuana and discovered illegal substances in the vehicle.
At approximately 12:06 PM on May 25, Lt. Jimmy Taylor was observing northbound traffic from the intersection of Highway 69 and Ruth Avenue when he noticed a silver car traveling in the inside lane, appearing to exceed the speed limit. Radar confirmed the vehicle's speed at 72 mph in a 55 MPH zone. Lt. Taylor activated his emergency lights, and the vehicle pulled into the Pilot Truckstop.
Lt. Taylor made contact with the driver, identified as Jordan Jake Scott. Upon approaching the vehicle, Lt. Taylor immediately detected a strong odor of burnt marijuana. When asked for his driver's license, Scott stated he did not have it with him and admitted he had never possessed a driver's license.
After Scott exited the vehicle, Lt. Taylor asked if there was any marijuana inside, to which Scott replied no. A check with Atoka County Dispatch confirmed Scott only had a Texas identification card and no valid driver's license.
Based on the strong odor of burnt marijuana, Lt. Taylor informed Scott that he would be conducting a probable cause search of the vehicle. During the search, Lt. Taylor located a 'Blueprint Gumbo' package and another blue package, both containing a green leafy substance that, based on his training and experience, appeared to be marijuana.
Scott was subsequently placed under arrest, handcuffed, and secured in the patrol unit. A wrecker was called to remove the vehicle, which was blocking the Pilot Truckstop driveway. Scott was then transported to the Atoka County Jail for booking.
