A traffic stop in Summerville resulted in an arrest after police say a driver refused to provide a driver’s license and made statements associated with the “Sovereign Citizen” movement.

According to a Summerville Police Department incident report, Officer B. Campbell was working in the area of Highland Avenue and Third Street at approximately 11:20 p.m. on August 7 when he noticed a black Chevrolet Silverado traveling southbound on Highland Avenue.

The officer reported seeing a “very abrupt stop” in the roadway and was initially unable to determine whether the truck displayed a valid registration. Police say the vehicle entered a nearby parking lot before returning to Highland Avenue northbound.

Officer Campbell then initiated a traffic stop.

According to the report, the truck displayed a custom homemade tag on the rear bumper that read “Moorish American.”

The driver was identified as Mr. Jeremiah Lemont Hicks.

Police say Hicks told the officer that he did not need a driver’s license because he was not “breaking any laws” and was “traveling.”

The officer wrote in the report that he recognized the statements as language sometimes used by people identifying as “Sovereign Citizens.” The report also states Hicks identified himself as a “Moorish American.”

Officer Campbell asked Hicks to provide a driver’s license or another form of identification, but Hicks allegedly refused and asked to speak with a supervisor.

Police say Hicks was then removed from the vehicle and detained. The officer reported that Hicks eventually provided a military veteran identification card, allowing police to confirm his identity.

According to the incident report, a check through Chattooga 911 determined Hicks had a driver’s license, but it was suspended. Police also reported that the vehicle was not registered and did not have valid insurance coverage.

Hicks was placed under arrest for driving without a valid driver’s license, according to the Summerville Police Department.

Police say Hicks requested that Luallen’s Towing Service transport his vehicle rather than leaving it at the location. The report states the vehicle was turned over to the towing company after an inventory search.

Hicks was transported to the Chattooga County Jail without incident.

According to the report, police also issued traffic citations for driving without a valid license, license to be carried and exhibited on demand, operation of an unregistered vehicle, and driving without insurance.