What seemed like an innocent traffic stop for illegal tinted windows not only resulted in arrests for drugs and battery but it nearly erupted into a riot with nearly 100 bystanders. According to TBO.com the traffic stop left two officers and one suspect injured and three other suspects are still on the loose. The Polk County Sheriff’s office and the Florida Highway Patrol were both called in to help disperse a crowd of 75-100 people who gathered around during the arrests.
According to police reports once the car was stopped they witnessed a man in the driver’s seat eating marijuana. The officer attempted to arrest the man as a crowd gathered and began to shout profanities. A safety cadet with the officer was then punched by one of those who gathered around the cars. As the assault took place two men fled from the car in possession of marijuana. Police then used a stun gun to stop one of the suspects who was fighting with police but once again an on-looker interfered pulling the darts out of the suspect. One man was charged with possession and another with battery of a law enforcement officer.
If you have been charged with a crime in Tampa or Hillsborough County and need qualified legal representation, please do not hesitate to contact Tampa Criminal Defense Attorney Stephen Higgins at 1-800-FIGHT-IT (1-800-344-4848) to discuss the matter or visit our website FightYourCase.com. Also you can contact Stephen via email or by stopping in our Tampa office located at 3426 W. Kennedy Blvd.