That he'd suspected stolen documents.
And that breaking the passenger window had been necessary because she refused to unlock the door.
But the state investigator asked questions he couldn't answer.
What specific information supported the stolen-property suspicion?
Who had provided it?
Had the woman been told she was under arrest?
What immediate danger justified breaking the window?
And why had the deputy attempted to access the passenger compartment after the driver was already outside the vehicle?
He gave vague answers.
Then contradictory ones.
He claimed a confidential source had provided information.
When asked to identify the source through appropriate channels, he hesitated.
Then he claimed the information came from his supervisor.
The investigator documented that explanation.
She didn't immediately declare him guilty.
She understood that serious findings required evidence.
But she also understood that his conduct raised questions far beyond an ordinary traffic stop.
The woman provided her own account.
She described the patrol vehicle following her.
The stated traffic violation.
The demand to inspect the leather case.
The deputy's grip on her arm.
And the impact that destroyed the window.
She also explained the independent recording equipment installed in the Rolls-Royce.
Her engineering company routinely transported valuable surveying equipment, technical documents, and specialized instruments.
For security and insurance purposes, several company vehicles used approved recording systems with exterior and cabin-facing cameras.
Her Rolls-Royce had a discreet system of that kind.
The front camera documented the stop.
A separate cabin-facing unit captured portions of the interaction beside the passenger door.
And the recording system stored event footage independently of the vehicle's ordinary convenience cameras.
The deputy had noticed the luxury features.
But not the security equipment.
When the investigator learned about the recordings, she asked that the system be preserved without unnecessary handling.
The woman agreed.
Then the investigator turned toward the deputy.
"Is your body camera recording?"
He looked uncomfortable.
"Equipment issue."
"What issue?"
"Battery."
The investigator nodded.
"Do you have a report concerning the malfunction?"
The deputy hesitated.
"Not yet."
She made another note.
Then asked about his patrol vehicle's recording system.
He claimed it hadn't activated.
Again, the explanation would need to be checked.
The investigator didn't argue.
She requested that the relevant equipment and records be preserved through appropriate procedures.
The deputy watched her.
His confidence was fading.
The woman remained beside the Rolls-Royce, speaking quietly with a medical responder who had arrived to assess her arm.
A bruise was beginning to form.
The responder asked whether she wanted further evaluation.
She agreed.
Her arm hurt.
But she was more concerned about something else.