I had a a lil booboo driving across the Lewisville Lake Toll Bridge.Heading west is ALWAYS a bad idea to be speeding as Lake Dallas is there at the end of the bridge waiting to line their coffers. Well, I was heading east & thinking nothing of it. I've seen some stops just off the east end of the bridge, but I've never seen an officer in wait.
I was just engaged in conversation with my SO & I typically always speed up on the bridge as there is no way for police to 'hide' to get you speeding. Well, I finally saw the Deputy at the east end facing west in the center turn lane, but it was too late. I didn't even know what my speed was, but I got on the brakes and got to the 45mph limit coming off the bridge.
He started moving when I was near him & I said out loud, he's either coming for me or leaving. That's when he swung the Tahoe around sharply & hit the lights. Well, guess that answers that, but I still wasn't sure with 2 other vehicles behind me & that had him stuck from completing the turn. The first available side road I passed because I wasn't sure. After that point, it's probably 3/4 of a mile to the next safe spot as there are no shoulders on this stretch of El Dorado & I typically look for a way to NOT put the officers in danger.
When he got behind me & stayed behind me, I knew I was done. I turned on my hazards & maintained a reasonable pace until that next side road. I pulled over immediately & rolled my window down, stuck my arm out the window & other on the steering wheel. I did not reach for any documents before coming to a stop.
"Hello, I'm Deputy Mundo, can I see your license and insurance?"
"Yes sir" (I hesitated here, because I usually announce it's in my left front pocket, but I just didn't say anything)
I reached into my pocket, retrieved my wallet, & handed him my DL/LTC. He looked at the LTC very briefly, handed it back immediately.
"Are you armed?"
"Yes sir"
"Do you have your insurance card?"
"Not printed"
"Ok, I can check that on my computer. Do you know what the speed limit is on the bridge?"
"Um, 55?"
"No, it's 50, you were clocked going a lil fast at 68." (well, poop)
"Understood" (or something along those lines)
"Tell you what, I'll go check everything, if it comes back ok, I'll let you off with a warning. That ok?" (um, heck ya)
"Yes sir"
"Ok, be right back" (he walks away)
My SO immediately goes "
how come you get a warning?!?" (She got a speeding ticket a week prior in San Angelo hauling butt to try to make a midnight check in at a hotel in Austin, 80 in a 70. She has her LTC as well.)
"I guess I'm cuter, but next pay check I REALLY need to get my (
really expensive) radar detector installed ASAP."
(Deputy Mundo starts walking back with a clipboard & pen. Oh no)
"Sir, this is just a warning and not an admission of guilt. Sign here please"
"Yes sir." (signs)
"Here is your copy, thank you for your courtesy, drive safe, & have a nice day"
"Thank you sir"
Recounting/typing the conversation seemed to take longer than the actual stop did. My tone of voice was calm and defeated. I knew I was due, I'm good for one about every 2yrs. I even told myself this on the way to Austin last week. My last ticket was heading east on this very bridge.