[maurb]

On my way home the other day, I noticed 3 cruisers with their lights on, on the other side/opposite direction of the freeway. Being the curious/inquisitive type, I pulled over and noticed there was a car in a ditch. Moments later, I saw driver come out who appeared to be intoxicated. Since I never saw a field sobriety test (except on the show, cops), I couldn't help but stick around and watch.

Anyway, I hung around for probably 15 minutes or so until I saw two of the cruisers start to leave. I figured if I stuck around, they might come around and question me, so I left. As I was going down the freeway, a few minutes later, I noticed a cop tailing me and shortly thereafter he pulled me over. I was then asked if I was the one who phoned in the "erratic driving of the person they stopped and that they noticed I was there a while. Anyway, I told them I didn't witness any of the events leading up to the crash. He then asked for my ID and ran my information. It occurred to be to refuse showing my ID but I figured that might have led to more unwanted scrutiny and questioning.

I was under the impression that you can only be pulled over for either a traffic violation of if you’re suspected of committing a crime. Is this not correct?

[zthatzmanz28]

Technically. BUT if they want to pull you over, they can justify it.

[sweet life]

I don't know the exact laws that govern this situation, but I was taught that the only reasons you ever stop on the side of a freeway is for a mechanical problem or an emergency. If you come upon the scene of an accident and the police haven't arrived, it would be reasonable to stop to see if you can help. However, once the police are on site, you are just creating a potential traffic hazard slowing down, pulling off onto the shoulder, parking there, and then starting up again, and entering the highway.

As a commuter, I find it incredibly annoying how often traffic is slowed to a standstill on the opposite side of the highway from a crash because people are gawking. Your need to satisfy your curiosity shouldn't put others at risk or slow everyone else down. I think the police were right to pull you over - your behavior was potentially hazardous to other motorists.

[ram2]

Originally Posted by sweet life

I don't know the exact laws that govern this situation, but I was taught that the only reasons you ever stop on the side of a freeway is for a mechanical problem or an emergency. If you come upon the scene of an accident and the police haven't arrived, it would be reasonable to stop to see if you can help. However, once the police are on site, you are just creating a potential traffic hazard slowing down, pulling off onto the shoulder, parking there, and then starting up again, and entering the highway.

As a commuter, I find it incredibly annoying how often traffic is slowed to a standstill on the opposite side of the highway from a crash because people are gawking. Your need to satisfy your curiosity shouldn't put others at risk or slow everyone else down. I think the police were right to pull you over - your behavior was potentially hazardous to other motorists.

How is this behavior hazardous but a cop pulling over to the side of the road is not hazardous?

I would file a written complaint against the cop.

[Retroit]

Originally Posted by ram2

How is this behavior hazardous but a cop pulling over to the side of the road is not hazardous?

I would file a written complaint against the cop.

Oh brother!

Maybe the cop was just trying to find out if maurb was the one who made the call (like he said) and that it was not a ruse.

Everyone wants to be the next Rodney King.

[ram2]

Originally Posted by Retroit

Oh brother!

Maybe the cop was just trying to find out if maurb was the one who made the call (like he said) and that it was not a ruse.

Everyone wants to be the next Rodney King.

The cop would not need to run ID for something like that.

[Sparrow_temp]

The problem with the law today is that there are so many of them that you can be in violation of one without knowing it and most of us are every day. The cops love it though since they can pull anybody over at any time for some violation.

[Huckleberry3911948]

they need witnesses of an accident. u pulling over was not a bad thing. what i dont like is when they bust people taking cell phone pics of an arrest.

[Harrier]

I usually don't support the police - BUT...

In this case - it seems that the cop was just trying to get information about the alleged drunk driver (i.e - he was continuing an investigation). As for running your ID for wants and warrants - they do that with anyone whom they come in contact with.

Did they cite for you anything? You didn't mention that they did. If you were cited - then you would have a valid complaint - because from what you told me - you did not commit a crime.

The cop asked you for information - and ran your ID. There is no problem here - you don't have to answer his questions(you have a right to remain silent) and you can tell him to go away and leave you alone. If you have been cited then you should challenge it in court - otherwise, next time don't be a lookie-loo on the highway if you don't want attention.

I have sometimes monitored traffic stops - and the cops have talked to me about what I was doing - and they check my ID. I have no problem with that because I explain that I was watching them and ensuring that they were acting in good behavior. They acknowledge me and go on their way.

[michigan83]

This thread proves that a lot of people have terrible attitudes about police.

To the OP.... why would you get so defensive about being pulled over? You weren't doing anything wrong (except maybe interfering with the flow of traffic for no reason) and weren't involved. But put yourself in the officer's shoes. They received a call from someone who witnessed the erratic driving. They noticed you parked, watching the events (which is not normal behavior). So they looked into it. Big freaking deal.