A traffic stop near the intersection of South Mississippi Avenue and 4th Street in Atoka early Tuesday morning resulted in the arrest of a Tulsa man for driving with a suspended license and possession of an open container of alcohol. A female passenger from Sulphur Springs, Texas, was also arrested for public intoxication.
According to a police report filed by Atoka Police Patrolman Grady Blackwood, the incident occurred at approximately 2:06 AM. Officer Blackwood stated he was observing traffic when he noticed a white Nissan Sentra traveling northbound on South Mississippi Avenue failing to maintain a single lane.
After following the vehicle, Officer Blackwood initiated a traffic stop near the intersection of South Mississippi Avenue and Lake Road. The driver identified himself as Justin Tylor Wallace and provided an ID card, informing the officer that his driver's license was suspended. A female passenger in the back seat was identified as Alma Medina.
During his interaction with Wallace, Officer Blackwood reported detecting the odor of marijuana and alcohol, as well as observing an open container in the front seat. Wallace did present a valid Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Card.
Wallace reportedly told the officer his lane violations were due to nervousness and also stated that his female passenger was intoxicated. Officer Blackwood noted that Medina exhibited poor balance and had an odor of alcohol on her person.
A subsequent check with Atoka County Dispatch confirmed Wallace's license was indeed suspended. Following this, both Wallace and Medina were asked to exit the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle allegedly revealed an empty container of 'BeatBox Peach Punch 11.1 ABV' on the passenger floorboard.
Standard Field Sobriety Tests were conducted on Wallace, which he agreed to, and Officer Blackwood did not observe signs of impairment.
Wallace was subsequently arrested for driving under suspension and possession of an open container of alcohol. Medina was also arrested for public intoxication.
Both individuals were transported to the Atoka County Jail for booking after the vehicle was impounded by Mullins Wrecker Service. Wallace was booked on the aforementioned traffic and alcohol charges, while Medina was booked on the charge of public intoxication. Another Atoka Police Officer assisted with the transport.
