A Fruitland Park man who was arrested for driving without a license told law enforcement he would continue to do so without paying his fees.
A deputy observed the driver of a green van, later identified as 50-year-old Christopher David Palmer, fail to come to a complete stop at the intersection of U.S. Hwy. 27 and Highland Lakes Boulevard in Leesburg around 1:19 a.m. Wednesday, according to an arrest report from the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy subsequently stopped the vehicle and approached the passenger side window. He spoke with Palmer who advised that he did not have a driver’s license, and it was “not good anyways.” He also gave his name and date of birth, the report said.
A check using this information revealed that Palmer’s driving privileges had been cancelled since June 2013. It was also later found that his license had been suspended indefinitely since May 2014, and he had six previous guilty convictions, the report said.
Palmer was next asked for consent to search his vehicle, which he gave. He was taken out, placed in handcuffs and sat on the push bar of the patrol vehicle while the deputy conducted the search, the report said.
During this, the deputy found a pack of Marlboro Reds in the makeshift center console. Inside was a green leafy substance that tested positive for marijuana. The search continued, and a black metal cup smelling of alcohol was located on top of the center console, the report said.
The report noted that Palmer stated he would continue to drive without a license and never pay his fees. He did not believe law enforcement should be able to fine or revoke someone’s driving privileges.
The California native was charged with possession of marijuana (less than 20 grams) and operating while driver’s license suspended (second conviction). He was transported to Lake County Jail and booked without bond.
