HERRIN – A man was taken into custody for resisting and obstructing deputies during a Friday afternoon traffic stop in Herrin.
The Williamson County Sheriff’s Office says Daren L. VanZandt was cited for Resisting/Obstructing a Peace Officer and Failure to Signal when Required. He was lodged in the Williamson County Jail.
Around 4:30 p.m., deputies saw VanZandt driving a pickup truck near the intersection of Adams and 17th Street in Herrin when he committed a traffic offense and displayed improper vehicle lighting. Deputies stopped VanZandt and told him the reason he was being stopped. Deputies requested VanZandt’s driver’s license, but he said he didn’t have it. VanZandt gave deputies his first name, but refused to give his last name when deputies asked for it and became argumentative.
Deputies became increasingly alarmed that elevated criminal activity was attempting to be concealed due to VanZandt’s behavior and his refusal to provide identification when asked for it. Deputies asked VanZandt to get of the truck. He refused leading deputies to open the door and order him out. VanZandt refused and began arguing. Deputies tried a few more time to get VanZandt out, but he refused each time. Deputies then assisted VanZandt from the truck. He continues resisting and failing to comply with deputies lawful orders. Deputies placed VanZandt on the ground and maintained positive control over him against his active resistance and their commands to lay on the ground. Deputies continued controlling VanZandt until assisting units arrived to take him into custody which did happen.
A sheriff’s K9 unit responded to conduct a free air sniff of the vehicle which provided a positive alert to the odor of narcotics coming from the vehicle. A probable cause search of the vehicle was conducted that yielded no contraband.
VanZandt was then cited and taken to jail where he said that his employee, Aaron Kaminski, had transported narcotics in the vehicle a few days earlier.
While conducting unrelated surveillance of a home known for stolen property and drug activity during the previous week(s); the sheriff’s office Narcotics Unit saw this vehicle and driver frequenting the home several times.
VanZandt had previously stated that the vehicle did not belong to him and that it was a customer’s vehicle he was working on.
This matter has been referred to the Williamson County State’s Attorney’s Office and additional charges are anticipated.
