OP was the driver, passenger went rogue.
Nevertheless, the reasons for the search and arrest have nothing to do with the runaway passenger.
I suspect the police asked the driver, "who was that? Why did IT runaway?"
I suspect the reply went something like this, "I don't know, just some dude or dudette that asked me for a ride."
Maybe this way, "None of your business, copper. What he did ain't got nothin' to do with me."
Frankly, those little discrepancies no longer bother me.
At this stage in my life, I don't need to be 110% accurate, I'm happy with being only 70-60% accurate."
Anyhoo, for what I'm charging (NUTTIN)

people are getting their money's worth and a great deal more.
