At 9:13 p.m. Oct. 1, Trooper R. Wilt was using a Lidar, Pro Laser III on Route 5 at Route 231 when he observed a vehicle traveling in lane 1 passing traffic in lane 2.
Trooper Wilt calculated a speed of 68 mph in a posted 40 mph zone, and activated his emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle.
The trooper observed the driver tossing a large, lit “blunt” from the driver’s side window.
Trooper Wilts driver side window was down and he was struck by a very strong odor of marijuana.
The vehicle of pursuit was identified as a Honda Accord, and was failing to stop. Tpr. Wilt called for back-up, and the vehicle continued to travel for 1.3 miles before it finally came to a complete stop.
Upon the officer’s approach to the vehicle, he noticed a tremendous amount of smoke emitting from the vehicle’s interior which had a very strong and distinct odor of burnt marijuana.
The driver, Darren E. Cole, 20, and passenger, Christopher M. Quade, 21 both of Mechanicsville, and two juvenile passengers were removed from the vehicle and placed in hand cuffs.
A search of the vehicle revealed a clear plastic baggie containing 1.2 grams of greenish-brown leafy substance suspected marijuana was discovered. A further search of the vehicle’s interior also revealed 3 burnt marijuana cigarettes.
All subjects were placed under arrest and charged with possession of CDS marijuana and paraphernalia. The juveniles were released to their parents and Quade and Cole were transported to the Charles County Detention Center for further processing.