Cote runs stop sign, apologizes to officer

JACKSBORO, TN (WLAF) – A Mitsubishi Eclipse was turning right from Landmark Rd onto Pinecrest Rd when the driver failed to stop.

On Thursday, April 1, at 9:25 am, Campbell County Sheriff’s Deputy Justin Phillips saw the driver’s failure to stop and conducted a traffic stop. When Phillips made contact with the driver, who was identified as Michael Roger Cote, he told him that he was sorry for the not stopping at the stop sign, according to a report from the sheriff’s department. The driver said “he was late for work.” During this time Phillips allegedly noticed a strong odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle and Cote allegedly told him there might be rolled marijuana in the car.

Lt. Travis Bostic came to the scene and deployed K9 Santo who alerted on the vehicle. During an interior search of the vehicle Bostic found a cigarette pack containing a green leafy substance suspected to be marijuana. Phillips found a small blue package containing rolling papers, a second blue package with the words “zig zag” printed on it was found in Cote’s wallet.

Cote, 46, 326 Countryside Circle, Jacksboro was charged with possession of schedule VI-controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia and traffic control device. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED – 04/09/2021-6AM)