Benvandam
New member
Greetings fellow Americans! I have recently been drawn into this forum due to an absurd, even scary incident which happened to me personally in Akron, Ohio. After work one evening late last month around 8:30 PM, I stopped at the burger joint next to the highway which I take home. Recently, a large amount or drama has been placed on the dangers and illegalities of driving while texting and talking on the phone. Thus, I went through the drivethru and parked in front of the establishment while eating dinner and listening to my voicemails.
As I listened and ate, I heard a knock on my car window. An Akron PD cruiser had pulled into the space to my drivers side and parked. There were two officers in the cruiser, the passenger is the one who asked for me to roll my window down. He preceded to ask what I was doing and also asked to search my vehicle.
I indicated cordially, in fact, that I was eating dinner after getting off work less than a half mile away. He indicated this area is a known drug area. (This was news to me, I knew I wouldn't want my kids going to school here but, I had no problems in the 4 years I've worked in the area)
I am a mid thirties caucasion male. I keep a clean cut appearance and have no tint on my volkswagen passat windows. (just to remove any stereotypes) I have no felonies on my record. However, I had to learn my lesson twice about a few beers and driving, years ago.
In an effort to remain cordial and professional, and knowing I had nothing to hide, I permitted the officer to search my vehicle. After giving permission, he immediately, pulled me out of the driver's seat and cuffed me while standing in the burger joint parking lot.
His partner tore my VW apart inside, searching for I assume drugs or whatever, even though I have no record of any drug use besides alcohol, years ago. While finding nothing, while in cuffs, the officer searched me, and pulled out the pocket knife, from my work pants which I use on a daily basis to break down boxes, strip wires, and use for other tasks at the dealership.
He asked me what this was when he pulled out my pocketknife. I told him exactly what it is used for and indicated I had a pocket knife in my pocket before searching me, when I was asked if I had anything sharp, needles, etc...
The next thing I know, the paddy wagon showed up along with the tow truck and I was transported to the Summit County Ohio Jail. The charge was a misdemeanor in the first degree of Carrying a Concealed Weapon.
I spent the night at the county jail plead not guilty in video court the next morning and then was transported in shackles to the Summit County Courthouse to be arraigned by Judge Holcomb.
Judge Holcomb offered to give me a $150 fine plus costs and to remainder of a 30 day jail sentence based on my good behavior for 2 years. Keep in mind I would have to plead guilty to this atrocious crime of carrying a pocket knife. (BTW a second CCW is a felony, they might find nailclippers on me in the future)
I turned down his offer!
I have since hired a respectable local criminal defense attorney, Kevin Ondrey.
The knife was a three inch blade locking blade tactical type knife.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA06L03D4750
I've attached a link for you folks to see the item in question. (Pardon me mods if I didn't attach it correctly)
If for some reason you have trouble viewing the link, just google Smith and Wesson Extreme Ops Knife SWA3
This case is currently still in court, but I just wanted to let the community know how unfortunate these laws have become.
I would love to hear any comments either supporting or otherwise!
As I listened and ate, I heard a knock on my car window. An Akron PD cruiser had pulled into the space to my drivers side and parked. There were two officers in the cruiser, the passenger is the one who asked for me to roll my window down. He preceded to ask what I was doing and also asked to search my vehicle.
I indicated cordially, in fact, that I was eating dinner after getting off work less than a half mile away. He indicated this area is a known drug area. (This was news to me, I knew I wouldn't want my kids going to school here but, I had no problems in the 4 years I've worked in the area)
I am a mid thirties caucasion male. I keep a clean cut appearance and have no tint on my volkswagen passat windows. (just to remove any stereotypes) I have no felonies on my record. However, I had to learn my lesson twice about a few beers and driving, years ago.
In an effort to remain cordial and professional, and knowing I had nothing to hide, I permitted the officer to search my vehicle. After giving permission, he immediately, pulled me out of the driver's seat and cuffed me while standing in the burger joint parking lot.
His partner tore my VW apart inside, searching for I assume drugs or whatever, even though I have no record of any drug use besides alcohol, years ago. While finding nothing, while in cuffs, the officer searched me, and pulled out the pocket knife, from my work pants which I use on a daily basis to break down boxes, strip wires, and use for other tasks at the dealership.
He asked me what this was when he pulled out my pocketknife. I told him exactly what it is used for and indicated I had a pocket knife in my pocket before searching me, when I was asked if I had anything sharp, needles, etc...
The next thing I know, the paddy wagon showed up along with the tow truck and I was transported to the Summit County Ohio Jail. The charge was a misdemeanor in the first degree of Carrying a Concealed Weapon.
I spent the night at the county jail plead not guilty in video court the next morning and then was transported in shackles to the Summit County Courthouse to be arraigned by Judge Holcomb.
Judge Holcomb offered to give me a $150 fine plus costs and to remainder of a 30 day jail sentence based on my good behavior for 2 years. Keep in mind I would have to plead guilty to this atrocious crime of carrying a pocket knife. (BTW a second CCW is a felony, they might find nailclippers on me in the future)
I turned down his offer!
I have since hired a respectable local criminal defense attorney, Kevin Ondrey.
The knife was a three inch blade locking blade tactical type knife.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=9SIA06L03D4750
I've attached a link for you folks to see the item in question. (Pardon me mods if I didn't attach it correctly)
If for some reason you have trouble viewing the link, just google Smith and Wesson Extreme Ops Knife SWA3
This case is currently still in court, but I just wanted to let the community know how unfortunate these laws have become.
I would love to hear any comments either supporting or otherwise!