By SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
Alabama law enforcement officials are warning residents that interfering with a lawful traffic stop or arrest can result in criminal charges, following an incident earlier this month in the city of Leeds.
According to Leeds Police Chief Paul Irwin, a traffic stop on Jan. 14 led to the arrest of Mary Lisa Everling, 61, who is now charged with obstructing governmental operations. Police say Everling attempted to interfere with officers as they arrested another individual during the stop.
Officers pulled over Jacob Garcia Martinez, 41, in the 7300 block of President Street for a traffic violation. During the stop, police say Martinez was found in possession of methamphetamine and a stolen handgun. Officers also determined Martinez was in the United States illegally, according to police.
Chief Irwin said Everling arrived at the scene and blocked the roadway with her vehicle, repeatedly honking her horn and refusing to comply with officers’ commands. Police say she exited her vehicle and placed herself between Martinez’s vehicle and a patrol car while yelling at officers to release him.
“She got between the suspect’s and the officer’s vehicle, screaming at them to let him go,” Irwin said. “You might can do that somewhere else, but not here in Alabama.”
Irwin emphasized that interfering with police during a traffic stop is illegal regardless of the suspect’s background or charges.
“If you interfere with a lawful traffic stop or arrest — whether the suspect is an illegal alien or someone found with drugs and a stolen firearm — you will be arrested,” Irwin said.
A relative of Everling later told authorities she did not know Martinez and exited her vehicle because officers were blocking her driveway.
Martinez was taken into custody without further incident and faces multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property, possession of drug paraphernalia and firearm violations. He is being held in the Jefferson County Jail on a $55,000 bond and will be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcementupon release.
Police say the incident serves as a reminder to allow officers to do their jobs without interference.
