cop stories

[Alex Kowalski]

OK, promise, this is the only one.  

The situation:  approx. 1:30 a.m., on the Garden State Parkway where New Jersey runs smack into New York State.

The car:  1983 Volkswagen Scirocco, SCCA modified.  Fast.  Fun.  Snarly little car.

The people:  Me and a good friend, listening to the (loud) radio, yakking it up.

The speed: 120+ mph.

We're headed for New York to meet some friends of my friend, and we're almost there.  No alcohol involved, just a lot of youthful anticipation because it's a weekend party trip.  We decided to go at the last minute, which is why we're late.  Nice clothes.  Loud music.  

Right hand lane, barreling along just fine, 8v engine just about maxed out but all gauges showing nominal on an almost open stretch of highway.

I take my eyes off the road and mirrors for about 2 seconds to mess with the stereo.  Next thing I know the interior of the car is ILLUMINATED "BLINK" with a very bright, almost blinding, very brief pulse of searchlight.

I glance to the road, then extraordinarily reluctantly turn slowly toward the window, already backing off the throttle.  Mr. State Trooper is right alongside us at 120MPH.  No lights, no warning, no nothing.  Just POW!  About 2 seconds of searchlight.  Just to get my attention.  It sure did.  Wave!  Wave!

You can guess the rest.  Very un-fun.  Lots of money.  Major points.  No argument, guilty as sin.

Cheers,
Alex