A Weirsdale man was arrested when an officer discovered he did not have a license but instead had multiple prior convictions for driving with suspensions.
An officer observed the driver of a gold Chevrolet passenger car, later identified as 33-year-old Terry Antwon Townsel, traveling northbound on U.S. Hwy. 27/441 around 2 a.m. Thursday, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department. The sunscreen material on the driver’s side was extremely dark, not allowing a clear view inside, and appeared to be in violation of state statute.
The officer subsequently conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle near U.S. Hwy. 27/441 and Register Road. The vehicle pulled onto the sidewalk, at which point the officer saw a small plastic bag exit the passenger-side window. The vehicle then stopped sideways on the sidewalk, the report said.
The officer approached Townsel, explained the reason for the stop and requested his driver’s license. Townsel stated he did not have his license on him and instead gave his name and date of birth, the report said.
Due to Townsel throwing an object from the window during the stop, the officer asked him to step out of the vehicle. Townsel complied, and the officer used his tint meter on the driver rear window to get a reading of 5%, the report said.
In the grass directly where the officer observed the baggie thrown, he found a small plastic baggie with a green leafy substance inside. Townsel was detained as a result, and a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, the report said.
A small rubber capsule containing a small amount of a green wax-like substance was found during the search. The officer also located Townsel’s wallet, which contained his Florida ID. The officer asked him about the baggie that was thrown from the vehicle, and he stated he was not sure why he did it because he had a medical marijuana license, the report said.
The officer checked Townsel’s information and discovered he did not have a driver’s license. He had several suspensions including one on June 26 for a controlled substance charge. He also had six previous driving while license suspended convictions, the report said.
Townsel was ultimately arrested on charge of driving while license suspended (third or subsequent offense). He was transported to Lake County Jail with bond set at $2,500.