On January 21, 2024, Trooper Sagnibene and Trooper Dustin Johnson of the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office were conducting routine patrol on IH-30 at the 131 mile marker, when they observed a silver Honda Odyssey Van improperly using an auxiliary light bar mounted to the front of the vehicle. The troopers noticed the van traveling west on IH-30 at a speed of 86 mph in a 75-mph zone.
Upon activating emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, Trooper Johnson observed that the van had a defective high-mounted brake light. The driver of the vehicle, identified as Saker Aleslam Raad Ahmad Almomani, was then asked for his driver's license. Almomani informed the troopers that he did not have one but presented an identification card.
During the interaction, Almomani displayed nervous indicators, and his travel itinerary raised suspicion. When asked for consent to search the vehicle, Almomani denied. However, Hopkins County Deputy Fisher's canine alerted on the vehicle.
A probable cause search of the vehicle and Almomani's person was conducted. Trooper Sagnibene discovered a Texas Driver's License inside a metal clip wallet around the center console. The font on the license was incorrect for a Texas DL, and although it displayed Almomani's face, it was linked to a different name. Trooper Sagnibene determined that the DL was fictitious.
As a result, Almomani was placed under arrest for the fictitious driver's license. He was subsequently transported to the Hopkins County Jail and released to jail staff. The incident highlights the vigilance of law enforcement during routine patrols, leading to the discovery of fraudulent identification.
