Routine Traffic Stop
So, I drove in from a long Wichita shoot tonight. As I exited the highway, a cop pulls me over. I wasn’t speeding. I signaled. He says I failed to signal as I cut across two lane, but the second lane was an exit on ramp that was just beginning.
So, he asks me where I was headed, and where I was coming from. I tell him I’d rather not say, because that’s my right (see fifth amendment).
fifteen minutes later - there are now three cop cars behind me. The officer approaches again and demands I step out of the vehicle. I contest this decision, but am told I have no right to stay in my car. I exit and follow him next to a second officer.
I step out to find a drug canine, shepherded by the third officer, walking to my car. I suggest this is an illegal search, but apparently the dog can do a free air sniff without a warrant.
The cop tells me now that not only is he giving me a ticket for my lane change, but also one of my tag lights is out, so that’s an additional citation. I nod and accept my paper work, noting the court date, when I’ll be contesting everything.
The second cop is the “good cop”. He asks me about a bumper sticker, and acts like he cares. He tries to joke a little. They thought I was the real deal.
The dog sniffs around and finds nothing of course. The cop says I’m free to go. As I head toward my car, he asks me “why were you so obstinate?” I reply “I know my rights”.
This nothing short of fantastic, thank you Tom. I could have used this whit last Friday.