A Leesburg man stopped for an unregistered vehicle was also charged for drug possession after law enforcement searched his person.
Police observed the driver of a green pickup truck, later identified as 29-year-old Melvin Daniel Angle, traveling without a tag on U.S. Hwy. 441 at 7:17 a.m. Wednesday, according to an arrest report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The vehicle pulled over to the side of the road near the intersection of County Road 437, and a traffic stop was initiated. While speaking to Angle, the officer learned that this license had been suspended for failure to pay a traffic fine. It was also confirmed that his vehicle did not have an assigned tag, the report said.
Angle was subsequently placed under arrest and searched. A small clear baggie was found on the inner left side pocket of his jacket that contained a crystal-like substance. This tested positive for methamphetamine, the report said.
At that point, Angle claimed to not understand his rights. When asked if he did not understand his rights or if he did not wish to speak with the officer, he stated “neither,” the report said.
Regardless of this, a search of his vehicle was conducted, during which the officer found a black BB handgun inside of a blue backpack. Several other items were located inside the vehicle that resembled tools to commit burglary offenses, the report said.
A check revealed that Angle had one prior conviction for driving while his license was suspended and was issued two citations for his vehicle not being registered. A traffic stop was conducted in June for having a trailer tag attached to the same green truck and another in July for having a trailer tag attached and for having a warrant. He was told on Oct. 15 that he did not have a valid license and could not drive, the report said.
Angle was ultimately charged with possession of methamphetamine, failure to register a vehicle and driving while license suspended (with knowledge – second or subsequent offense). He was transported to the Lake County Jail with bond set at $2,000.
