Pablo Averbuj

Loudoun Sheriff’s Day Out

Here’s a note I just submitted to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office. I think a few of the people who pay attention might have something to say about this.

On Wednesday, August 6th, I was driving home on Countryside Blvd. when I encountered what I can only describe as a checkpoint at the intersection with Carrollton Rd. Both directions of Countryside were blocked and all vehicles were being detained, as far as I can tell, without cause. I was asked by an officer to show my driver’s license and upon quick inspection was waved along.

Given the media attention that was received seemingly similar activities in D.C., I was wondering if you could provide some information as to what occurred that day and why. I’m worried this may have been a violation of mine and other citizens’ civil liberties, but would like to reserve judgement until I have more information.

I appreciate your time and considerate attention to this inquiry.
Thank you.

It didn’t occur to me to question the basis for asking for ID and it didn’t really anger me until after I left the checkpoint. I went back out with a camera to document what was going on. To their credit, the police didn’t seem to mind me taking pictures. At 6:45pm, just as I was about to drive through the roadblock again and this time refuse to show ID, they all simultaneously and unceremoniously packed up and went home.

Not even sure what to make of it. Someone’s already suggested I’m overreacting, and that may be so, but I nevertheless was left with an uneasy feeling. Some pictures below.

Update: I received a quick and helpful response from the Sheriff’s Office with this information:

Mr. Averbuj, for several years the Loudoun Sheriff’s Office have conducted Driver’s License Checkpoints throughout the county as a continuing crackdown on unlicensed drivers. We have conducted three such checkpoints this Summer.  The location for the checkpoints are selected based on deputies who report a number of unlicensed drivers during their daily traffic stops.

During the checkpoint on Wednesday nine motorists were cited with driving without  a license and two for driving on a suspended license. Those were among the 42 citations issued during the 3 hour checkpoint.

I found a page on the very recent overruling of similar roadblocks in South Carolina, and the SCOTUS decisions that govern such activity.