A Tampa, FL man returned from a concert to find that his expensive business truck completely ransacked – by police.
They had no warrant and did so without his presence, simply leaving him a note, which read:
“Sir, your car was checked by TPD K-9. The vehicle was searched for marijuana due to a strong odor coming from the passenger side of the vehicle. Any questions call Cpl Fanning”
“You think if anyone is going to break into your vehicle in Ybor, the last person you think, it’s going to be the cops,” stated owner Matthew Heller.
Police actually ripped out wires and trashed the electronics in his truck, which he used as a display model for his business. They found no marijuana.
The local police dept claims they had a right to perform this search, but attorney Bryant Camareno disagrees:
“It’s an illegal search,” Camareno stated. “Usually if it’s some kind of unoccupied vehicle there has to be some level of exigent circumstance to justify searching a vehicle without a search warrant. Exigent could mean if there is a dead body inside, if there is a screaming child locked in the car, a dog but if the car is unoccupied there is no exigency to justify the search.”
Some people just can’t help being STUPID. :-//
Those cops are violating the law. Florida law dictates that privately owned vehicles are extension of the owner’s home. That cop must be arrested of breaking in and entering without a warrant.
molon labe mother$#%&!@*er…
Dumb $#%&!@*s READ the constitution, it did not change since I last read it a week ago WTF DUMB SHEEP. aAnd no they can’t w/o your permission
Abusive of powers and destroyed property without a warrant.
I assume marijuana is still illegal in Florida. the “odor of pot” would be probable cause for them to search the vehicle. they don’t need permission.
Do something if you don’t like it don’t bitch on facebook cause they don’t care either.
Grrr!
Obama changed these laws last year folks….
Outlaw cops belong in prison.