On July 3rd, 2019, I stopped at Marylou’s Coffee before I headed down to DC to deliver a load.
Today, I was back in Rockland to return the trailer. I had delivered the load of household goods to a cheerful family and was able to secure a backhaul of aluminum rods from Baltimore to Boston in order to leverage my earnings.
As soon as I dropped the trailer at the parking lot of Casey’s I realized I was famished. Mouth-watering images of Marylou’s hot breakfast sandwiches whetted my appetite.
So I walked across the street – this would be a quick bite and back on the road I thought.
I ordered a sausage and egg on an everything bagel and cafe latte.
Then I walked around the coffee shop looking for an outlet for my laptop. The food came quickly, and I took a load off.
I had not taken a second bite, when I noticed three police officers enter the premises. They quickly checked in with the manager and then approached me suspiciously.
Clearly they’re not here for me. Is there something wrong with my truck?
“I hear you’re taking pictures!” A strong voice bellowed.
I looked bewildered. Was he asking or telling. Either way the question was strange and rhetorical.
“Not today”, I said. “It was last week though. why do you ask?”
“We got a complaint that you are trespassing. May we see an ID?”
“Why do you need to see my ID. I haven’t done anything wrong.”
“We need to see your ID so we can write a no trespassing order, so you’ll be formally notified never to come back.”
“I’m not trespassing sir. No one ever told me I couldn’t be here. I’m a paying client trying to eat my breakfast in peace. However if you like, I’d be happy to take my food out and depart the premises” “Not until you provide an ID.”
“Whoa, am I under arrest?” “Not yet, but if you don’t cooperate, you could be. What is your name and what are you doing here?” the officer asked sternly.
“My name is Chito Peppler. I’m a truck driver from Washington, DC, and I was just enjoying my breakfast and coffee so I don’t starve before I head back home.”
“Why won’t you show us your ID?” “Because I haven’t done anything wrong sir. I know the law. Massachusetts is not a Stop and ID state. Now I have things to do. So can I please leave now?”
“No you may not – until you show us your ID.”
“Massachusetts is not a Stop & ID state – I didn’t do anything unlawful. There’s no legal requirement for me to show my ID. And under the Fourth Amendment, you cannot detain me.”
I winced in disgust. Then I picked up my bag and started to leave.
A big, burly officer who towered over me blocked my way. Unsure of what to do next, I reached over to grab my phone to start recording just in case they try something funny. But I never got the chance. As soon as I picked up my phone, the officers jumped into action. They slammed me hard against the window, turned me around like a crumpled-up ragdoll.
One officer grabbed my phone. The other cuffed me then marched me into his idling cruiser, pushing me hard into the backseat. They drove me into the precinct which was only a 5-minute walk from the coffee shop. There they emptied my backpack, found my military ID and exclaimed. “You were in the Navy! You should have shown us this in the first place – all this nonsense could have been avoided.”
“What, just because I’m a veteran? I’m standing up for all people – military, civilian, citizens and non against unlawful detention and arrest.” “This is the second time, we’ve been called on you, isn’t it?” “I don’t think so. I’ve never talked to the Rockland police. The last time I was at the coffee shop, I left when they asked without incident.”
“Then why did you come back?” “They never said I couldn’t. And they never told me that there was an issue in the first place. But they had no problem taking my money today.” Wait. Hold up. I’m talking too much to the police. Best to invoke my rights from here, and save it for court.
The detention took over four hours. They photographed, finger printed me and charged me for Witness Intimidation, Disturbing the Peace, and Disorderly Conduct. I then paid my bail and was ordered to return after the weekend – Hingham District Court for my arraignment. On the way out, they handed me this Letter of No Trespass. Not a problem – I’m giving Marylous in Rockland, as well as all 40 of them in the Greater Boston area a wide berth, and I hope to never come back.
