another wanna be gets arrested

NoDrama43 · #1 04-25-2010, 11:53 PM

http://www.aolnews.com/story/armed-m.../999116?cid=10

particularly disturbing is the fact he had a gun to go along with his strobe lights in his POV. This is why states have laws about light bars, flashing lights etc.

Sadly he fits right in with those that feel the need for that attention. His bond is set at 100k so maybe he will sit for awhile. I hope they make a huge example out of him.

28HopUp · #2 04-26-2010, 10:07 AM

The problem with knuckleheads like this (at least as it pertains to us) is that add'l laws might be written that could impact on the vintage police car enthusiast. I read where Washington state already has laws on the books to prevent the placement of any emergency lights in a car. Although that sounds good as it pertains to this guy, it also affects enthusiasts with antique police cars (I just realized that most 4-eyed SSP's are considered antiques now).

Wannabe's like that also negatively affect public opinion, and that of non-enthusiast LEO's.

NoDrama43 · #3 04-26-2010, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 28HopUp

The problem with knuckleheads like this (at least as it pertains to us) is that add'l laws might be written that could impact on the vintage police car enthusiast. I read where Washington state already has laws on the books to prevent the placement of any emergency lights in a car. Although that sounds good as it pertains to this guy, it also affects enthusiasts with antique police cars (I just realized that most 4-eyed SSP's are considered antiques now).

Wannabe's like that also negatively affect public opinion, and that of non-enthusiast LEO's.

I agree. Washington is taking steps to stop activities like "fake" pursuits in parking lots by owners of restored/retired police cars. From the sound of it if you go to a car show in the state of Washington and even have the lights in the car you are in violation. Isn't going to matter if they are operable or not.

28HopUp · #4 04-26-2010, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoDrama43

I agree. Washington is taking steps to stop activities like "fake" pursuits in parking lots by owners of restored/retired police cars. From the sound of it if you go to a car show in the state of Washington and even have the lights in the car you are in violation. Isn't going to matter if they are operable or not.

Forgive my lack of knowledge, but this brings up a question I have -

As long as I keep the ruby red spotlight and deck lights covered, my licensed/registered/insured SSP is completely legal to drive in Delaware. If I decide to take my SSP out to Seattle for a cup of coffee (far-fetched, I know), would I be subject to a ticket based upon the laws in Washington state? My Delaware driver's license is recognized by other states (allowing me to drive there), so would the State of Washington recognize that my SSP conforms to the laws in the state where it is registered?

ImEvil1 · #5 04-26-2010, 11:38 AM

Different states do different things, but on the local level (in the state where I worked), it didn't matter what state you were from; you had to be in compliance. Keep in mind that most traffic violations are civil infractions where I'm from, and not criminal as they are here in Texas. Some states will have the wording "vehicles registered in this state" or something to that effect as a caveat.

Here's a good thread on this exact subject (thanks Google and Officer.com):

http://forums.officer.com/showthread.php?p=2284939

ImEvil1 · #6 04-26-2010, 11:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 28HopUp

The problem with knuckleheads like this (at least as it pertains to us) is that add'l laws might be written that could impact on the vintage police car enthusiast. I read where Washington state already has laws on the books to prevent the placement of any emergency lights in a car. Although that sounds good as it pertains to this guy, it also affects enthusiasts with antique police cars (I just realized that most 4-eyed SSP's are considered antiques now).

Wannabe's like that also negatively affect public opinion, and that of non-enthusiast LEO's.

This guy wasn't in a vintage car, but sometimes the motoring public doesn't realize that a 20 year old police Mustang isn't a 2 year old Crown Vic.

I recently saw an article on a very nicely restored SSP that fit right into this same mentality...the author used phrases like "fun to drive in public since you rule the road" , "excellent car to move traffic over", and the public thinks "the fuzz" is behind them while describing the benefits of owning and operating a marked Michigan SSP Mustang. Definitely not the kind of thing we should be supporting.

We are way overdue for some terrible incident to happen to someone who is non-LEO and operating a restored-to-in-service Mustang out in public. I carry a gun and a badge and I wouldn't do it.

NoDrama43 · #7 04-26-2010, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImEvil1

We are way overdue for some terrible incident to happen to someone who is non-LEO and operating a restored-to-in-service Mustang out in public. I carry a gun and a badge and I wouldn't do it.

+1

28HopUp · #8 04-26-2010, 01:10 PM

Thanks for the feedback guys!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ImEvil1

We are way overdue for some terrible incident to happen to someone who is non-LEO and operating a restored-to-in-service Mustang out in public. I carry a gun and a badge and I wouldn't do it.

Shoot, my car is unmarked, yet I'm still very cautious about my surroundings when I pull into a gas station, store parking lot, or even driving.