When Texas driver refuses to ID, police officer smashes window to remove him from the car

A YouTube video shows what happens when a motorist refuses to hand over his documents to a police officer in a Texas traffic stop.

On May 2, an officer with the Addison Police Department stopped 49-year-old Scott Richardson for driving 50 mph in a 40 mph zone. After Richardson's repeated refusal to show identification, the officer opened a baton, smashed Richardson's mostly-raised driver-side window, opened the door, removed Richardson and arrested him.

The exchange leading up to the window smash appears typical of encounters between law enforcement and so-called "sovereign citizens"—a small but growing movement of people who deny that they are subjects of state or federal government.

After several minutes of argument, the officer said, "sir I'm going to tell you one more time, I need your driver's license and proof of insurance, please. Otherwise I'm going to charge you with failure to identify."

"Ok I'm still having to ask you a question here," Richardson said.

After a driver repeatedly refuses to show documentation, an officer with the Addison Police Department smashes his window and removes him from the car. After a driver repeatedly refuses to show documentation, an officer with the Addison Police Department smashes his window and removes him from the car. Photo: YouTube User SNAFU Radio Photo: YouTube User SNAFU Radio Image 1 of / 24 Caption Close When Texas driver refuses to ID, police officer smashes window to remove him from the car 1 / 24 Back to Gallery

"That's not how this works."

"That is how it works."

For about four minutes the two spar, with the officer repeating requests for identification. Richardson alleges he committed no crime.

"You are saying that I am being detained," he told the officer.

"You are being detained."

"For what reason?"

"Because you were violating the speed limit."

"Speed limit is not a crime in the state of Texas."

"It is."

"No it's not."

That doesn't stand up to the Texas transportation code, which allows government to enforce speed limits. He also claims the 1979 U.S. Supreme Court case Brown v. Texas established that law enforcement was not allowed to demand a citizen's identification unless he was seen committing a felony. This also is inaccurate—the case established that officers needed probable cause to detain and ID a citizen. Speeding qualifies as probable cause.

When the argument proves futile, the officer smashes Richardson's window and removes him from the car.

David Margulies, a spokesman for the Addison Police Department, said the officer was "absolutely" in the right so break the window.

"[Richardson] did not comply with the lawful order from the police officer repeatedly and the officer is permitted to force him to comply."

Richardson, who apparently posted the video to YouTube, could not be immediately reached for comment.

He was arrested and charged with driving with an invalid license, having expired license plates and failing to present his driver's license upon demand. The officer issued a warning for the traffic violations.