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Video shows Washington cops corner man parked in his driveway—for a traffic stop

An online clip indicates Washington law enforcement officers confronting a man in his driveway for a traffic violation.

According to the Police Accountability Report, the video displays the police repeatedly changing their reasons for stopping the Bellingham resident, Andrew S. The encounter begins with claims about issues with Andrew’s taillights before the officers accuse him of reckless driving, as indicated in the footage Andrew provided.

In the video, Andrew is heard asking to speak with a higher-ranking officer. Despite agreeing to identify himself, Andrew faces persistent accusations from the officer, including claims that his exhaust and driving were in violation. The encounter raises questions about potential misuse of police authority as the officer’s accusations keep changing. Andrew is seen denying involvement in any reckless driving and altering his exhaust pipe.

The incident raises concerns about the officer’s fluctuating charges and potential abuse of authority. Washington state law stipulates maintaining a functioning exhaust system without excessive noise. After the interaction with the officer, Andrew eventually offers his ID.S.: And why did you pull me over, again?

Police Officer: For the modified exhaust.

Andrew S.: Modified exhaust.

Police Officer: And suspicion.

Andrew S.: What? Suspicion —

Police Officer: For the donuts. Reasonable enough for the donuts and the modified exhaust.

Andrew S.: Reasonable suspicion for what donuts?

Police Officer: The donuts that were reported to 911. I’m not arresting you for that. I’m [crosstalk].

Andrew S.: No, I’m just saying. No, I’m just trying to get it all recorded for when I leave.

Police Officer: That’s fair. That’s fair.

Andrew S.: Okay. I can’t get a sergeant, no lieutenant.

Police Officer: Not right now.

Speaker 1: Why?

Andrew S.: And why is that?

Police Officer: First, you have to identify yourself.

Andrew S.: Relax. Relax.

Police Officer: Can we do that before we [inaudible]?

[VIDEO CLIP ENDS]

[VIDEO CLIP BEGINS]

Andrew S.: [Dog barking] I’m chilling it down. I’m just trying to make sure I get everything.

Police Officer: Oh, sure.

Andrew S.: I’m trying to make sure I get everything.

Police Officer: Do you mind just hanging out over there for us?

Neighbor: Yeah. He’s my neighbor. He’s a good guy.

Police Officer: Yeah, but [crosstalk].

Andrew S.: Yeah, man, they [inaudible] pull me over some nonsense. Now it’s a loud exhaust. Before that, they say 10 blocks away somebody’s doing donuts. My car was reported, supposedly.

Neighbor: Yeah. I don’t think it was this guy.

Andrew S.: Bro, it’s some nonsense. But I’m just trying to get him to call a sergeant or a lieutenant to talk to somebody head.

Neighbor: [inaudible].

Andrew S.: Yeah, that’s it.

Neighbor: He’s a good guy.

Andrew S.: And he’s saying I can’t get no sergeant or lieutenant. That’s it. And I’m trying to make sure before I hand over my ID, you violated my rights. I want to make sure.

Neighbor: It’s all good. I’m just telling these guys —

[VIDEO CLIP BEGINS]

Andrew S.: That sound easy for you, buddy, because your rights not being violated.

Police Officer: I’m not violating your rights, man.

Speaker 1: [Crosstalk] car.

Police Officer: I have no intention of violating your rights.

Speaker 1: Assumed it’s this car. Assumed.

Andrew S.: Buddy, you just said you pulling me over for suspicion of doing donuts.

Speaker 1: Assumed.

Police Officer: And the exhaust.

Andrew S.: I ain’t… I mean, I live right here, buddy.

Police Officer: I’m going to get your name down. I’m going to give you your ID back. I’m going to make sure you don’t have any warrants. Then I’m going to finish my [inaudible].

Andrew S.: Just relax, buddy. Just chill.

Neighbor: Buddy!

Andrew S.: Just chill.

Neighbor: You guys seriously have nothing better to do?

Andrew S.: Chill out. Come on. Just chill out. Let me talk to him. We’re talking, buddy. We come on.

Neighbor: Screw it!

Andrew S.: Come on. Chill out. Just get a pen, buddy, because I feel like y’all violating my rights, buddy.

Speaker 1: [inaudible].

Andrew S.: That’s it. I’m talking calmly, buddy.

Police Officer: You sure?

Andrew S.: I’m trying to be calm.

Police Officer: Appreciate that.

Andrew S.: I’m over here. I’m mad. Believe me, I’m upset, buddy.

Police Officer: You have to identify yourself. I could arrest you. I’m trying not to arrest you, man.

Andrew S.: But, buddy, I feel like…

Police Officer: I’m trying to not arrest you.

Speaker 1: [inaudible].

[inaudible].
Andrew S.:  But I sense that you’re supposed to call a sergeant or something.
Police Officer:  I am not required to do that.
Andrew S.:  Or lieutenant when you ask.
Police Officer:  I don’t have to do that, man.
Andrew S.:  That’s the thing. That’s it. Look, I’m not resisting.
Police Officer:  You’re not. You’re not.
Andrew S.:  Look, look, this is my ID right here. My stuff is right here. I’m just trying to make sure my rights, friend. It’s all about your rights.
Police Officer:  I understand that.
Andrew S.:  If you don’t use them, you lose them.
Police Officer:  I completely agree with that.
[VIDEO CLIP ENDS]
Taya Graham:  At this point, it becomes apparent that the officer isn’t really concerned about Andrew’s tailpipe. But I also think Andrew makes an interesting point. If you don’t exercise your rights, you lose them. Stephen, what do you think?
Stephen Janis:  Yes, that’s very important because no matter what occurs in a police encounter, make sure to assert your rights. Your right to remain silent. Your right not to answer any questions. Even the right to your personal effects without a warrant. Utilize these rights. These are valuable rights that we have been granted centuries ago, but they remain relevant today. I think he’s absolutely correct on that. Ensure to employ and exercise your rights because that’s the only way we can preserve them.
Taya Graham:  Absolutely.
Stephen Janis:  That we have been given centuries ago, but they still, they’re very applicable today. I think he’s very right about that. Make sure to use your rights because that’s the only way we can preserve them.
Taya Graham:  Absolutely. Understandably, Andrew starts to push back at this point because he is parked in his driveway. This has taken a long time, much longer than a traffic stop should. And understandably, he’s quite irritated with this entire process. Just watch.
[VIDEO CLIP BEGINS]
Andrew S.:  Yeah, friend.
Police Officer:  I understand you, man.
Andrew S.:  I feel like it’s nonsense you singled out my car. I’m home.
Police Officer:  Correct. You made it home.
Andrew S.:  I know. I am home. It probably states it on my ID right here.
Speaker 1:  Just fishing. How many other cars are out there?
Andrew S.:  Yes, it says it. I am home.
Police Officer:  Correct. Can I please have your ID? You have to identify yourself.
Andrew S.:  One last time, can’t you call a sergeant?
Police Officer:  I’m not going to do that.
Andrew S.:  No lieutenant?
Police Officer:  No.
Andrew S.:  Nobody ahead of you?
Police Officer:  No.
Andrew S.:  All right. You’ve got his support, friend. I’m having a conversation with him. I’m not going to talk to you anymore because you support whatever he does, friend.
Speaker 1:  They’re saying [inaudible].
Andrew S.:  But I didn’t get pulled over and I didn’t request a lieutenant or sergeant, and they called. That’s all I’m saying.
Police Officer:  Sure.
Andrew S.:  Okay. Look at my perspective.
Police Officer:  I understand your perspective.
Andrew S.:  You’re saying you stopped me for donuts, supposedly. You didn’t see me do any donuts. And now it’s exhaust. Let’s imagine, next it’s going to be a taillight.
Police Officer:  No.
Andrew S.:  That’s how I feel. I’m just saying that’s how I feel.
Police Officer:  I understand why you feel that way. Maybe it’s happened that way in the past. That’s not how it’s going to happen.
Andrew S.:  Definitely has. Understand what I’m saying?
Police Officer:  I’m sorry it went that way –
[VIDEO CLIP ENDS]

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