As his friend was being arrested, a man told the deputy he would have his job!
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OKEECHOBEE — While on patrol Sunday night, March 21, Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Deputy Richard Varnadore observed a truck driving 83 mph in a 35 mph zone. The incident occurred just before 11 p.m. near the 900 block of State Road 70 East. The vehicle was traveling east, traveling in and out of traffic and passing multiple vehicles.
Dispatch also notified Varnadore of a caller claiming a black truck was doing donuts in the middle of U.S. 441 and then traveling down State Road 70 East. The caller said she was almost hit by the truck as it did donuts in the middle of the highway.
As the vehicle passed him, Varnadore turned around to follow it as it passed through a high pedestrian traffic and bicycle area without slowing down. While trying to catch up with the truck, a bicycle crossed in front of Varnadore.
After he was able to catch up to the truck and pull it over, he noticed a magazine on the console and asked the driver if he had any weapons in the vehicle.
Rolando Calvijo, 23, reportedly said he had a pistol in the truck. According to the arrest report, the three male passengers began yelling and screaming that they did not have to identify themselves when he asked. One said, “We ain’t gotta do s..t you ask us.” A second unit was requested for officer safety. Varnadore asked everyone to exit the vehicle due to the firearm inside. He asked for and was given permission to go inside the truck and get the gun. Under the driver’s seat, he found a black Hi-Point .40 cal. pistol and a box of bullets. When asked if he would be willing to do field sobriety exercises, he reportedly said, “I don’t believe I will incriminate myself to you.”
As a deputy attempted to put Calvijo in a patrol car, he reportedly yelled to a friend, “Get the stuff out of my pockets for me.” The friend approached and reached into Calvijo’s pocket, but Varnadore told him to get back. The friends began yelling, “You can’t do that. You are violating his rights.” The three were told they needed to leave the scene, but one yelled, “I own half this county, and I know Noel personally. I will have your job, and I will sue this department” as he walked away.
Calivijo reportedly refused a breath test. He was charged with DUI and reckless driving. His bond was set at $1,750.
