On January 8, 2024, a routine patrol in Manaway, Ohio, turned into a tense encounter when an officer noticed a dark grey Jeep making an illegal left turn at a red light.
As the officer activated his emergency lights, the vehicle sped through another red light before coming to a sudden halt.
The officer swiftly initiated a traffic stop and approached the driver, identified as 32-year-old Devin Kobach.
The interaction began with the officer asking for Kobach’s driver’s license and proof of insurance.
However, the exchange quickly became confusing as Kobach struggled to produce the required documents.
“Do you have your driver’s license on you?” the officer inquired.
Kobach responded hesitantly, indicating that she thought she had it but couldn’t find it at that moment.
As the officer reiterated the need for her driver’s license and insurance, Kobach seemed increasingly flustered.
“I’m sorry.
What do you exactly need?” she asked, prompting the officer to clarify his request once more.
“I need your driver’s license and insurance,” he stated firmly.
Despite the clear instructions, Kobach continued to express confusion, leading to a back-and-forth that only escalated the tension.
The officer, maintaining his composure, attempted to explain the reason for the stop.
“You made a left-hand turn onto Main Street when the light was red,” he reiterated.
Yet, Kobach’s responses grew more erratic as she insisted on understanding the situation fully, asking the officer to repeat himself multiple times.
This insistence on clarity seemed to serve as a distraction from the underlying issue at hand.
As the conversation progressed, Kobach became defensive, questioning the officer’s authority and the presence of another officer shining a flashlight nearby.
“Can you please get your insurance like I have requested?” the officer pressed, trying to steer the focus back to the task at hand.
However, Kobach remained agitated, leading to further complications in the dialogue.
Eventually, the officer decided it was necessary to ask Kobach to exit the vehicle for a more in-depth discussion.
“Step on out of the car for me, please,” he instructed, but Kobach resisted, claiming she needed to retrieve something from her purse.
The officer, concerned about potential weapons or contraband, insisted she leave her belongings behind as they moved to a safer location away from traffic.
Once outside the vehicle, the officer directed Kobach to stand still and follow specific instructions, including keeping her feet together and hands at her sides.
Despite the straightforward nature of the requests, Kobach continued to challenge the officer, expressing her frustration and disbelief at the situation.
“I didn’t do anything!” she exclaimed, raising her voice in protest.
The officer remained focused, explaining that her driving behavior warranted further investigation.
He expressed concern for her well-being and questioned whether there might be any medical issues affecting her ability to drive.
This line of questioning only seemed to heighten Kobach’s agitation, as she insisted she was fine and not under the influence of any substances.
As the situation escalated, the officer informed Kobach that she would be placed under arrest for operating a vehicle under the influence (OVI).
Despite her protests of innocence, the officer proceeded with the necessary procedures, asking if she wanted to take a urine test to confirm her sobriety.
This request was met with further confusion and resistance from Kobach, who struggled to comprehend the implications of the situation.
The officer explained the consequences of refusing the test, but Kobach remained defiant, leading to a breakdown in communication.
“You’re telling me one thing, and he’s telling me another,” she said, clearly overwhelmed by the unfolding events.
The officer continued to urge her to cooperate, emphasizing that submitting to the test could prove her innocence.
Ultimately, the standoff resulted in Kobach being taken into custody, despite her claims of having done nothing wrong.
The officers completed their paperwork, and Kobach was transported for processing.
The entire encounter, captured on body camera footage, showcased the complexities of police interactions and the challenges that can arise during routine traffic stops.
In the aftermath, the court sentenced Kobach to 180 days in jail, with 175 days suspended, and imposed a one-year suspension of her Ohio driver’s license.
Additionally, she faced fines totaling $642, including a $525 penalty and court costs.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of compliance during traffic stops and the potential consequences of failing to adhere to law enforcement requests.
