Letter | Flimsy reason led to fatal North Charleston traffic stop

Flimsy reason for a traffic stop

I am writing this letter because I have not seen or heard this observation stated anywhere concerning the recent killing of Walter Scott by police officer Michael Slager.

First accounts of this unfortunate, horrible event stated the initial reason for the encounter was a broken (non-working) third brake light, the one either in the middle of the back dash or trunk. This later was changed to a broken brake light, then changed to a broken tail light. The changing detail alone leads one to question the initial reason for the stop.

Any of these “supposed” reasons leads one to pause and reflect on the true nature of the encounter.

How many cars and trucks are traveling South Carolina roads and highways with non-working brake, tail, and/or headlights?

How many times have you personally seen law enforcement not pull over the offending vehicle?

I know I have seen vehicles with at least one, sometimes two or more, non-functioning head, tail, or brake lights. Sometimes I’ve even seen the same car repeatedly with the same broken light(s). I have even told a driver in a parking light that his back dash brake light was broken. His reply was that it didn’t matter and it cost way too much to fix.

So why aren’t these drivers pulled over, ticketed and made to fix the broken lights that, by law, must be operational?

I can only assume that this is considered a minor infraction not considered worth the time and paperwork unless a quota needs to be made.

So why was the Scott traffic stop so important? And why were the actions of law enforcement so intent and pronounced as if this was a major drug bust or murder apprehension?

Was a broken brake (tail light or head light) worth the chase, struggle and use of deadly force?

Law enforcement already had the vehicle and driver information, enough to enable a warrant to be issued and actions to be taken later in a more controlled manner.

What was the real reason for this driver to be pulled over? This is a question that must be investigated and answered.

This story was originally published April 28, 2015 at 3:02 PM with the headline "Letter | Flimsy reason led to fatal North Charleston traffic stop."