Driver allegedly claims to be ‘sovereign citizen’ to get out of Colorado traffic ticket

ROCKY FORD, Colo. (KKTV) – A driver gets an A for creativity but an F for execution in allegedly trying to get out of a ticket over the weekend.

Rocky Ford police say they pulled over a man from Georgia for driving with a fake license plate.

“The driver … initially tried the sovereign citizen routine: not needing to have or produce a driver’s license, registration, or proof of insurance, as required by Colorado statutes,” the police department said.

Officers didn’t buy it.

“Unfortunately for this driver, ‘sovereign citizen’ status is a ‘no go’ here in Rocky Ford, Colorado.”

The suspect quickly found himself detained by police.

“[He] was assisted from his vehicle and detained for refusing to identify himself and produce the necessary documents. After coming to the realization that complying with Colorado law was not an option for him, [the suspect] decided to identify himself to investigating officers. It was also established that his vehicle was not registered or insured.”

The suspect was ultimately identified as plain old citizen Jonathan Thompson, 32, of Harlem, Georgia. Police say he’s facing various traffic-related charges — and had his phony license plate taken away.

“Rocky Ford Police Department aren’t playing these kinda games. Obey the law if you’d like to live in, drive through, or visit our wonderful city. Please and thank you.”

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