A Texas man was arrested in Atoka early this morning after a patrol officer observed his vehicle failing to maintain a single lane and making an improper lane change. The subsequent traffic stop revealed the driver did not possess a valid driver's license.
At approximately 1:36 AM, Patrolman Grady Blackwood with the Atoka Police Department was on routine patrol near S Mississippi Avenue and Redbud Lane. He observed a green Toyota Tacoma, bearing a Texas license plate, traveling southbound on S Mississippi Avenue. The vehicle was seen drifting out of its lane and made an improper lane change from the left to the right without signaling the required 100 feet beforehand.
Officer Blackwood activated his emergency lights and siren, initiating a traffic stop near Chicken Fight Road. The driver, later identified as Benitez Herrera of San Antonio, Texas, pulled over to the right shoulder.
Upon making contact with Herrera, Officer Blackwood noted a language barrier. After retrieving his cell phone and using a translator app, Officer Blackwood communicated the reason for the stop and requested Herrera's driver's license and insurance. Herrera stated he did not possess a driver's license from the United States or any other country.
Herrera was then asked to exit his vehicle, which he did. He was placed in handcuffs and informed he was under arrest for driving without a driver's license. After a search, he was placed in the rear passenger seat of the patrol unit.
Atoka County Dispatch contacted Hatter Boys Wrecker Service to tow Herrera's vehicle. During a vehicle inventory, Officer Blackwood observed multiple items hanging from Herrera's rearview mirror. Another Atoka Police Officer arrived to assist and waited with the vehicle for the wrecker.
Herrera was transported to the Atoka County Jail and released to jail staff without further incident.
