From my book Blue Lights and Sirens; The Lighter Side of Law Enforcement.
I was running radar just before noon because I knew the factory traffic would pick up drastically very soon. I was in plain view, hoping vehicle operators would see me and slow down. It was a quiet day and I preferred it stayed that way. I observed a newer model vehicle approach the intersection about 30 yards from my unit. The vehicle slowed down, barely, and proceeded to turn right and drive past me. I pulled away from my area, activated my overhead blue lights and the vehicle immediately pulled over.
I approached the drivers door and encountered a young lady, visibly shaken and in tears. I explained to her why I had made the traffic stop and obtained her license, registration and proof of insurance according to departmental policy. I then returned to my unit to run a violations check if one existed.
Dispatch informed me the operator had no prior violations, and not willing to spoil her good record with a relatively minor infraction, I wrote a warning and returned to her vehicle. When I saw her sitting in the car, sobbing uncontrollably I almost felt sorry for her.
I explained that I was giving her a written warning and recommended that she be more cautious in the future. She looked at me with eyes filled with tears and said, "But I stopped". I stated to her, "No, you did not stop; you slowed down and proceeded through the intersection. You need to come to a complete stop even if there is not other traffic present." She looked at me as if she was puzzled and said, " Ok, I know I stopped, I just didn't stop stop".
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