Discretion is the better part of traffic stops…
Hyannis – There are times when “discretion is the better part of valor”… and there are times when discretion is just an overall good idea in general.
Like tonight when veteran Patrolman Cronin tried to initiate a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling a little too fast… not a big deal and certainly not the end of the world…
… unless you happen to be the 15-year-old girl behind the wheel, in you mom’s car no less!
What would you do?
A “sensible” adult would have pulled over and waited patiently to speak with the officer.
Others would have been upset for being pulled over in the first place, angry now they could possibly be facing a hefty fine.
Certainly most people would stay in the vehicle and not make any quirky moves…
…in this case the 15-year-old jumped out and took off on foot… which took things to a “whole-nutha-level!”
Instead of possibly just getting a ticket or having some lesser charges… or just having some “’splaining to do” when mom found out, our little darlin’ was now looking at the possibility of getting locked up, with much more serious charges, as well as having her mom’s car towed.
Not good.
What would you do now?
Well this is where our story turns into a tale of redemption, sort of…
… because the little Missy had a moment of clarity and decided to return to the scene after all.
I arrived when the young lady was sitting on a doorstep, looking very upset. Officer Cronin was calm, but not altogether thrilled at the 15-year-old’s behavior… yet very patient nonetheless.
Officer Cronin explained the consequences and decided he wouldn’t arrest the teen… but the car was definitely getting towed [period].
This caused tears and moments of desperation. The wiring in a teenager’s brain is a horrible thing, a constant tragedy unfolding on a Greek stage… with more drama than both Sophocles and Euripides’ wildest dreams. Tonight’s tragic figure began to shoot her mouth off and say things that, once again, took things to a “whole-nutha-level.” Officers were now concerned about her emotional well-being and safety.
Hyannis Rescue was summoned to the scene where they evaluated the poor little lamb.
In all seriousness, this was an emotional teen in crisis… you hate to see it and at the same time you’re reminded of when you were that age. I couldn’t help saying a little prayer, hoping she would someday get her act together.
Officers did the right thing…
… it’s nice to see police officers who are both firm and caring enough to say what our young need to hear for their own good.
As an aside, the Barnstable Police are always looking for a few good men and women if you think you’re up to the challenge. Stay tuned to barnstablepolice.com for future testing and hiring announcements.
6/13/2013
Robert Bastille, HyannisNews.com
P.S. — Feel free to play a little “Vince” when reading this… it helps it go down easier… [click play]
