If Only I Watched the News

Paul, Ellie, and I were almost part of a speed-limit car chase on Monday. We were heading south on Interstate 270, going home after dinner. As light, Memorial Day traffic from Interstate 40 merged with us, we noticed a police car. He seemed to be following another car that was merging, and shortly thereafter he turned on his lights and sirens.

The driver ignored the cop.

For several miles.

The cop pulled up next to the coy driver a couple of times. It was impossible that the driver just didn't notice the police car. He seemed to be a big black guy, a little older than me, driving a white, late model Chrysler 300.

As we approached the Manchester exit, the Chrysler pulled over into the exit lane. The cop got behind him. Then the car moved back into the right-most lane of continuing traffic. That happened a couple of times.

Not that there was any traffic. None of us wanted to *pass* so there was a small cluster of cars hanging behind, enjoying the show.

At no time during the "pursuit" did the Chrysler exceed the speed limit.

Eventually, we were going so slowly that Paul felt like he had to pass, so he moved over to the far left lane and did so. At about this time he started entertaining fantasies about doing something to "help" the cop, but he was easily dissuaded.

We continued on past our exit, watching our rear-view mirrors. What entertainment!

Then, shortly before the interchange with Interstate 44, the cop turned off his lights and sirens. Paul was dejected and took the exit, to wend our way back home.

Too soon! What happened next? Was there a roadblock ahead? Had the Des Peres cop who was following the Chrysler called ahead for County cops to take over the chase once he was outside his jurisdiction? Had the driver of the Chrysler called in to explain that he was an off-duty cop - or a judge - and was just waiting for the message to be passed to the officer in lukewarm pursuit? Did he just give up? Is this a reasonable way to get out of a speeding ticket?