Cell Phone Usage Leads to Motorist Arrest
TROY (WWJ) - Police in Troy say a driver refused an officer's request to get off his cell phone...and now he's lost his car.
According to authorities, an officer pulled alongside the 22-year-old Sterling Heights man near Big Beaver and Helena. The officer indicated to the driver that he should get off the phone. The driver shook his head "no," so the officer again motioned to him to get off the phone. Again, the driver shook his head "no," which provoked the officer to pulled him over.
The suspect told the officer he could not get off the phone because he was calling work to tell them he was going to be late. He also acknowledged that he was aware of the law prohibiting using a cell phone while driving.
When asked to provide identification, the suspect told the officer he did not have his license on him. The suspect then provided the officer with a name and date of birth, both of which turned out to be false.
The suspect eventually gave his correct identification to the officer. A check on the correct name showed that his license was suspended from a previous April 2010 conviction of Operating While Intoxicated.
The suspect was arrested at the scene and his vehicle was impounded. He is being charged with Driving While License Suspended and Hindering and Obstructing a Police Officer by lying about identity.
