Coconut Creek Police stop Coral Springs driver after marijuana smell leads to arrest for multiple offenses
Coconut Creek, Florida – A routine traffic stop took a turn when the distinct odor of marijuana wafted from a car, leading to the arrest of a Coral Springs man on multiple charges. On April 3, around 3:30 p.m., a Coconut Creek police officer encountered a black Infinity sedan with the driver’s side window slightly rolled down. As the officer drove up behind the car, he quickly noticed the unmistakable smell of marijuana coming through his car’s vents.
The officer’s suspicions were immediately raised, prompting him to pull over the vehicle. Upon approaching the car, the officer could still smell marijuana, even before reaching the driver, 36-year-old Taffi Petodane Wolfe of Coral Springs. The officer noted that Wolfe’s eyes appeared bloodshot and watery, and he was slurring his speech. There was more to the situation than just the marijuana odor: the officer also detected the smell of alcohol emanating from the car.
Looking into the vehicle, the officer saw multiple burnt marijuana cigarettes and rolling papers scattered across the center console, reinforcing his belief that Wolfe might be under the influence of both marijuana and alcohol. The officer immediately ordered Wolfe to exit the car, but Wolfe refused to comply, despite being instructed to do so about 11 times.
With no cooperation from Wolfe, the officer decided to take more direct action. He reached into the car to open the driver’s door, and again commanded Wolfe to exit the vehicle. After several attempts, Wolfe finally complied on the fifth order, albeit hesitantly. As Wolfe exited the car, he grabbed his dog and tried to bring it with him. Police officers repeatedly told him to leave the dog in the car, but Wolfe refused. After another minute and a half of back-and-forth, Wolfe eventually relented and put the dog back in the car.
The situation escalated when the officer conducted a search of the vehicle. In addition to the marijuana cigarettes already observed, multiple more burnt marijuana cigarettes were found throughout the car. To make matters worse, an open, unfinished bottle of Bacardi Rum was discovered on the passenger seat, adding to the mounting evidence of illegal activity.
As a result, Wolfe was arrested and charged with a variety of offenses, including resisting an officer without violence, possession of an open container, four counts of having window tint that was too dark, and not having proof of insurance. His car was towed away as part of the arrest procedure. Wolfe was then booked into the Broward County Jail, where he was later released after posting a $500 bond.
The arrest sheds light on the growing concerns of impaired driving and the importance of law enforcement being vigilant in identifying potential risks on the road. Police officers are trained to recognize signs of intoxication and other illegal activities, and this incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly routine traffic stops can lead to significant consequences.
As the investigation continues, the case serves as a cautionary tale for drivers who may believe that indulging in marijuana or alcohol behind the wheel goes unnoticed. Despite the increasing acceptance of marijuana in some areas, its use while driving remains illegal, and those who violate the law can face serious penalties. Wolfe’s arrest highlights the ongoing challenges authorities face when it comes to keeping the roads safe and enforcing traffic laws.
