Earl Myers, 41, was arrested Saturday evening after deputies in Florida stopped him for driving with a fictitious license plate—just 10 days after he was previously arrested for the same offense.
Myers, who was out on bond, was spotted by a deputy operating a truck bearing a counterfeit “DOT Exempt” tag labeled “PR1V4T3.” When pulled over, he told deputies he was “traveling” and refused to provide a driver’s license, vehicle registration, or proof of insurance.
Additional law enforcement units were called to the scene after Myers locked himself inside the vehicle and continued to refuse compliance. Deputies ultimately broke the driver’s side window to remove him from the truck.
He was taken into custody without injury and now faces multiple charges, including possession of a counterfeit license plate, driving without a license, driving an unregistered motor vehicle, and resisting without violence.
Myers also received a series of traffic citations related to the stop, including violations for failure to produce required documents and for unlawful window tinting.
Repeat offense draws increased legal scrutiny
Myers had been released on bond from an arrest less than two weeks earlier involving the same set of charges. Authorities did not say whether bond will be offered again following the second incident.
The Sheriff’s Office has not released details on whether the truck or tag were confiscated or if additional investigations are underway.
No injuries were reported during the arrest. The agency emphasized the importance of compliance during traffic stops and warned of legal consequences for repeat violations.
Myers remains in custody as prosecutors review the case and determine whether to pursue enhanced penalties due to the repeated nature of the offenses.