Roland OK--July 12, 2006
Two North Carolinian motorists traveling east on I-40 crossed the Arkansas border into Oklahoma at 10:15 AM. They decided to stop in Roland for a late breakfast at the 4 Star Diner. Upon arrival at the diner an unmarked white police cruiser pulled behind their 1987 Toyota Van, blocking them into a parking space. The driver of the van made the critical mistake of not using his turn signal while exiting I-40. License and registration were handed to Lt. R. Jasna #3 of the Roland Police Department and he asked the driver to step back to his car. The driver proceeded back to the unmarked car and sat in the passenger seat. (the officer did not frisk the driver) Lt. Jasna informed the motorist that he was being cited for failure to use his signal and was simply being issued a warning ticket. He told the driver to step out of the police car and check the van's back left taillight. The taillight was in proper working order, so the driver sat back in the police cruiser. Jansa then asked the out of state motorist if any illegal contraband was in the van guns, knives, weapons, drugs.
The driver politely replied, No sir then the officer asked if he could search the van. The driver said, No officer, there is no probable cause and I've been cited for the traffic violation. My brother and I are hungry and would like to get something to eat at the 4 Star Diner. Lt. Jasna then radioed Roland police headquarters: I have a no consent. The officer said, If you guys have anything for personal use simply give it up and I will write you a ticket. If the dog shows up and we find something it takes it to another level?. The driver asked Jasna Do you do this for every traffic stop?. The officer says yes. Lt. Jasna then informs the diver that Oklahoma has a no consent law; Oklahoma state law permits us to detain you for 45 minutes for a police dog to arrive. If the dog moves in any way, we have the right to search the van.? Another officer arrivers on the scene in a marked Roland police cruiser.
The wait begins: a North Carolina public school teacher, his brother (a construction contractor) and two of Roland's finest wait in the late morning sun. Jasna tells the contractor, Your brothers teaching license could be in jeopardy if anything is found in the van. In response to the officer's statement the passenger simply replies, I don't use drugs. Jasna's colleague left to donate blood for the local blood drive and another undercover police cruiser arrived on the scene. Jasna walked over to the unmarked police vehicle and chatted with his co-worker for 10 minutes. He then informed the motorists, in a very disappointed tone, I'm going to have to let you guys go. The dog is at the vet. The North Carolinians then entered the 4 Star Diner and made a half-hearted attempt to stomach an even later breakfast.
Reid Walters
Still teaching US and World History in the great state of North Carolina
Lt. R. Jasna #3 is leaving the Roland Police Department to become Coach R. Jasna. This fall he is going to be a middle school Social Science teacher. Let's hope he does not judge his young scholars on their physical appearance or their lack of display of material wealth.
Reid
Spencer, North Carolina