La Grande man cited for ‘sovereign citizen’ license plate violation
By Griffin Beach on Friday, July 11th, 2025 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
UMATILLA COUNTY – A La Grande man was cited by Oregon State Police on Wednesday for displaying a fake license plate that declared himself to be a “Sovereign Citizen.”
An OSP trooper observed the Chevrolet pickup eastbound around 3:56 p.m. near the Emigrant Springs area on Interstate 84. When the trooper made contact with driver he stated he did not need a driver’s license, registration, or insurance.
The driver then provided a name and date of birth which showed that his license had been suspended for driving uninsured. An Oregon identification photograph that was on file was used to confirm the driver’s identity.
John Nathan Garinger, 72, was cited for failure to display license plates, driving while suspended and driving uninsured. He was provided with a courtesy ride to La Grande. The pickup was towed and impounded.
