Traffic Stop for Minor Violation Evolves: Both Occupants Arrested
A traffic stop for a minor violation ended with the discovery of methamphetamine, an altered trip permit, the vehicle displaying two different license plates that didn’t belong on the vehicle, and warrants.
On February 15, 2018, at approximately 3:40 a.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy John Nave observed a red and white GMC pickup truck with an obstructed plate in the area of U.S. Highway 395 and Farewell Road. Deputy Nave activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop and contact the driver, 54-year-old Douglas A. Leavitt.
Leavitt stated his license was suspended and couldn’t provide identification. He also explained he recently purchased the GMC pickup but he could not provide a bill of sale or proof of ownership.
A computer check of Leavitt’s name showed his driving privileges were suspended and two active misdemeanor warrants for his arrest for driving while suspended. Leavitt was arrested and during a subsequent search, Deputy Nave located a clear plastic baggie containing a white crystalline substance in the pocket of his jacket. The substance was field tested and showed a presumptive positive result of Methamphetamine.
The passenger of the vehicle, 32-year-old Victoryia K. Stricker, was arrested for an active misdemeanor warrant.
During the traffic stop, Deputy Nave learned the rear license plate on the 1977 GMC showed registered to a 2001 Chevy Silverado. The front license plate did not match the one of the rear and was actually another rear plate with expired tags (02/2001). A trip permit found in the rear window of the vehicle had been altered and was not valid.
The truck’s VIN number was checked but a valid return or registered owner could not be found.
Leavitt was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine, Driving while Suspended 3rd Degree, Trip Permit Violation, and his two misdemeanor warrants.
Stricker was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for her misdemeanor theft warrant and released on her own recognizance a short time later.