I had an interesting situation occur this morning and am unsure of what the potential outcome might be. I'd be interested in hearing any opinions.

On my drive into work I frequently take a little side street as a shortcut. This street goes in front of a business and usually has a good amount of traffic and some pedestrian traffic as well. I was in low gear so my car was louder than others would have been as I accelerated after making a left turn. I noticed out of the corner of my eye someone standing on the sidewalk, however, he/she was partially obscured by trees. I also saw an arm waving. I did not pay any attention as there are usually people walking about and I only noticed a little because of the arm movement. When I was a little past this person I thought I heard a whistle (made via lips, not a whistle). This somewhat caught my attention so I glanced briefly in my mirror. I thought I saw what looked like someone grab a handheld radio and talk to someone. I was well past this person and again the shrubbery and other obstructions prevented me from getting a good look.

Anyway, I proceeded on my way in fairly heavy traffic, so my speed was very low. In the back of my mind I was wondering if that possibly was a police officer trying to pull me over. However, no one came after me, and as I say I did not get a good look at the person.

If in fact that was a police officer trying to pull me over, are there any repercussions for me having not done so? Say the guy got my license plate number. Could they come after me? Is any of this very likely? I know I am being paranoid, however, this was a rather weird situation.

 

ScottB,

I wouldn't worry about it too much...

You can always contest that you didn't see the officer...if it was an officer at all...

 

I'm thinking the most that will happen is the local city police dept. mailing you a ticket.

I have taken off on a parked police officer twice...nothing yet bud...

 

You should be okay. If someone really wanted to get your attention, they would have.

 

I wouldn't worry about it....I mean.....You didn't see anything did you? hehe.....And as far as mailing you tickets go, that is only legal in some states. I dont' think there is anything to worry about here & if a cop did come after you, there are so many legal technicalities that would get you out of whatever you might be in, it's not even funny.

Happy Stooking

 

This brings up a good point. What does a police officer have to do in order to legally stop a vehicle? I thought that they had to flash some lights and make a presence-- like with a marked car which identifies them as the police or a uniformed officer prominently displayed.

I don't think it's reasonable for them to try to stop someone any other way. Unless I see a police car or a uniform, I ain't stoppin' for anybody!!

 

Speaking from past experience (hypothetically speaking, of course) you have nothing to worry about.

 

You will be fine. I don't even think they can mail you a ticket depending on what state you are in. I wouldn't expect you to hear anything from it.

 

Probably just a fan. I get alot of hoots whistles and people yelling and arms waving just riding around.

He/She may be a cop, but what effort was made to insure that you knew that. If you were ignoring a "Halt Police" command or something while they were in the street then you would be in for it. Not some arm waving freak on the sidewalk.

You are sure you didnt run over anyone, right?

 

are you sure it wasn't just a hooker?