A homeless man from Leesburg told police the government had no authority over him after they discovered he was driving while his license was revoked.
Police observed a red Ford Taurus speeding down the northbound lanes of U.S. Hwy. 27/441 at 6:35 p.m. Thursday, according to an arrest report from the Fruitland Park Police Department.
The driver, 35-year-old Michael Anthony Schmitt, was found to be going 60 miles per hour in a 45-mph zone, the report said.
The officer then initiated a traffic stop, the report said. Schmitt passed several driveways and a side road before coming to a stop on the shoulder of the road, partially obstructing the outermost lane.
The officer approached the vehicle and advised Schmitt to pull into the first parking lot. Schmitt immediately became hostile and asked why he was being pulled over. The officer advised the issue would be discussed once the vehicle was out of the roadway, the report said.
Once Schmitt moved his vehicle to a safer location, the officer approached once more. Schmitt became argumentative as the officer explained the reason for the stop, stating that he did not know the speed so there was no probable cause for the stop, the report said.
Initially, Schmitt advised he was suspended for driving under the influence. However, after the officer spoke to the passenger, Schmitt stated he was “traveling” and did not need a license due to this, the report said.
Both Schmitt and the passenger began making statements in regard to the government having no authority over them and that they are natural living beings that have a right to travel freely, among other similar statements, the report said.
An odor of marijuana was emitting from the vehicle as they spoke, and the officer spotted green leafy pieces of plant material on Schmitt’s lap. He did not have a medical marijuana card, the report said.
As a result of this discovery, a probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted, the report said. Multiple lose pieces of marijuana were found in the center console of the vehicle, and a pink pen with an unknown waxy substance was located in the rear right passenger seat.
A packet of Marlboro Green was found in Schmitt’s center hoodie pocket that contained a green leafy substance, as well. He told the officer that some guy gave it to him, the report said.
The random pieces of marijuana were collected and tested positive for such, weighing in at about 15.3 grams, the report said.
A check revealed Schmitt’s license was revoked in May 2009 for a DUI involving property damage or personal injury and that action was needed. He gained an additional suspension for failure to pay a criminal traffic financial obligation in October 2022, the report said.
Schmitt was subsequently arrested on charges of driving while license revoked for DUI and possession of marijuana. He was also issued a citation for speeding on a state roadway.
While being transported to the Lake County Jail, Schmitt yelled profanities and other phrases that did not make sense. He was combative with jail staff upon arrival and was thus unable to sign his citation. Regardless of this, bond was set at $21,000.
