18 wheeler thief !
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
United States
May 18, 2007 1:33pm CST
Quite some time ago my wife and I were independent truckers.
One night I was driving south out of Racine WI having just picked up a load of garabage disposals. When I came to Janeville WI, we stopped to rest and eat a little. After that we left with me at the wheel and my wife catching some more sleep in the "sleeper".
Not 15 minutes south of Janeville, WI a state trooper put on his flashing lights and pulled me over. That was curious. As it was snowing hard with the visiblilty not good and it being 2:30 am in the morning I was only driving 40 miles an hour. This was appropiate for the conditions. I had no idea why he might be stopping me.
Knowing that police are often concerned for their safety during traffic stops I opened the door to my truck, turning on the cab light so the officer could see me. Additionally, I turned to face the outdoors and put both my hands on my knees where he could see them.
As the police officer approached me, he placed his hand on his holster (but did not draw his weapon) and in a firm commanding voice ordered me to ,"Climb down out of that truck!".
Of course, I said, "Yes, sir." and climbed down. I was as polite as possible, answered all his questions, showed my registration, insurance, log book, and bill of lading. I was completely cooperative and as tactful as I could be.
The more the officer looked at my paper work, the more polite he got. Finally he told me why he had stopped me.
Back at the truck stop we had just left, someone had called the police and reported that someone was stealing my exact truck. They gave the police my truck description and liscence number. There was no doubt the police officer had stopped the right truck as had been reported stolen.
Wow, I thought. I sure was glad I had been polite when I was first stopped. The policeman thought I was a possible major felon. If I had done anything stupid, he'd been reasonable to assume I might be trying to hurt him. Who knows what might have happened. So, if you did not know a good reason to be courteous when the police stop you, now you do.
Are you polite and cooperative with the police? Do you have a police story to tell?
4 people like this
4 responses
@balasri (26537)
• India
12 Jun 07
Though I have no particular story to tell I always respect policemen.They work under great stress.Cooperation from the people will always keep them in the cool.Whenever a traffic police man lets me go in a junction I readily flash a smile and show thumbs up.It is always warmly received.
3 people like this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
12 Jun 07
The police do have a thankless job and if more of us show them the proper respect, who knows, maybe fewer of them will become corrupt. So, yes, you do have the right idea.
3 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
11 Jun 07
Yep I have one or two... LOL What an invite, how did I miss this one?
I've been chasing around my tail is always in my face and I can't catch it... I don't know if I really want to.
Imagine a Buffalo bite? ouch...
Look for me to write about my experiences one truck driver to another.
Not all police officers follow the rules, you know in this world we have all types and I seem to be a magnet for those who want to take advantage of their authority.
Hang in there, I'll share a few...
2 people like this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
11 Jun 07
I'm up for truckin' stories anytime. Now, truckin' and cop stories are even better! I'll look forward to your truckin' threads.
2 people like this
@TheGreatWhiteBuffalo (4822)
• United States
12 Jun 07
I was going to start with my first encounters with the police. I need a little time to write these stories and then the synopsis that I will share.
I want to do this right. Just as we should all be doing our jobs correctly including the police of whom I'm going to share about. I listen to the radio about dumb criminal tales about people going to jail. Turn the coin over and prepare to read the flip side... Hammer down and expose the corruption in the system, we can apply and ample amount of heat and watch what gets purified.
1 person likes this
@habichuelo (3100)
• United States
10 Jun 07
well i was an 18wheeler driver too,and had many stories with the police,,,sr. had you been down Florida and/or Georgia???,,there is i think i had seen you before!!!
Had you seen this white truck(Honey Transport)???,,i used to drive this one.
Well your story was kind of scary,just imagine you sneeze badly,he could just shoot at you right there!!!!!!!!
2 people like this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
11 Jun 07
Florida and Georgia were not places I went to on a regular basis, but sure, I got there often enough. As to Honey Transport, I just do not remember. There are too many carriers to keep track of them all.
Yep, in hindsight, I'm glad I did not sneeze!
2 people like this
@Debs_place (10520)
• United States
20 May 07
I was just pulled over by the police, not an hour ago, for driving suspiciously - I was on a parkway driving - of all things - the speed limit. Here I am, on my way home from work and all of a sudden flashing lights. I get out the wallet and the state trooper walks up to my window and asked me what the problem was. I said "No problem - Why?". His response was "You were doing the speed limit, people don't do that unless they are doing something wrong and don't want to attract attention, as soon as someone drives the speed limit, it attracts my attention."
I swear - you speed, you get a ticket, you drive the limit, you get harassed for doing it. I saw flashing lights and my stomach went into a knot. I don't need that, I was keeping the speed limit!
2 people like this
@redyellowblackdog (10629)
• United States
20 May 07
If an officer does this to you ever again, take careful note of his badge number and report him to the internal affairs department of his agency. You also might consider contacting a lawyer.
The fact of the matter is that most people do not speed. His explanation to you is completely bogus and he had something else in mind, though I do not know what.
Here's what I suspect. As my wife was several times harassed by police when we were truckers and they thought she might be alone, I suspect the fact that you are a woman might have something to do with it. If conduct by police such as you experienced is tolerated, it will continue to happen.
Now, I'm not saying to talk back to the officer or tell him anything about how you feel concerning his unwarranted stopping of your vehical. That would be a big mistake. Tell his agency's internal affairs department, the man's boss, or your lawyer. On the side of the road the police win, often even when they are in the wrong. In court or a superior's office with legal representation, you win.
2 people like this
