Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Harriet from Orange asks- Officer Antoine, I was stopped last month for a blown out tail light that I didn’t even know was out. It was nighttime and the officer turned on a very, very, very bright spotlight before he approached my vehicle. This made me very nervous because I couldn’t see him, then all of the sudden he’s talking to me at my window. I kept telling him his light was blinding me during the time he had me stopped, but that didn’t seem to matter. Was this officer being mean or is that what the police do? By the way, he let me off with a warning, I’m glad it wasn’t you.

Good question Harriet. I’m sorry for your uncomfortableness Harriet, but this procedure is one that is taught and practiced by law enforcement officers around this country. I know you may be uncomfortable with the light but it’s actually performed for your and the officer’s safety. When police officers make the decision to stop a vehicle they observe committing a crime in their presence, they know what their intent is when approaching the vehicle, but we are unsure of the intentions of the driver. So hopefully there won’t be a next time, but if you or any of the readers are stopped during the nighttime, expect the police officer to use his spotlight on your side view mirror. Remember it is for the safety of all parties involved. If you look straight ahead and stop trying to look and find the police officer the spotlight won’t be as distracting to you. Harriet, I hope you got your tail light repaired (hint). Smile.

Frank from Nederland asks- Officer Antoine, not long ago my wife was involved in a fender bender in the parking lot. Long story short, the police were called and they didn’t do much but exchange insurance information and left? I’m not complaining, just inquiring. Is this normal procedure? 

Answer- Good question Frank. I don’t know what happened between the long story you made short, but at the end of the day “yes” Frank, this sounds like a normal procedure to me. If you are involved in a private property crash with no injuries and if police are called to the scene, there will be no investigation. Police officers will assist with the exchanging of information, but Frank that’s about it. Texas Police Officers don’t investigate private property crashes where no injuries are involved.

Gabe from Port Arthur asks- Officer Antoine, I was in a discussion with some friends the other day about which color of car attracts law enforcement’s attention the most. We couldn’t agree on just one color so we nailed it down to four colors and they are red, yellow, white and black. We thank you for all you do to keep us safe as we daily travel on the roads of Port Arthur. Keep up the good work no matter what anyone says about you, there are some people who actually appreciate your service.

Answer- Good question Gabe. Gabe, I laughed when I read your question because I guess you are right in a way, because police officers are attracted to the red, yellow, white and black cars that break the law. Actually, you should include all colors because police officers can CARE LESS what color your car is, nor does it matter the race or sex of the driver. WE LOOK FOR VIOLATIONS. If the violator happens to be driving a red, yellow, white or black car, (green, purple, blue) so be it!. Gabe, thank you sir, I must say your words are truly a breath of fresh air right about now! I must say I have been flooded with more complaints and mean looks than anyone could care to ask for in a lifetime. But Gabe, now because of bridges from the Port Arthur Police Department to our community like the printed “Ask A Cop” column in The News and “Ask A Cop Live” 96.9fm The Breeze radio show citizens are learning to understand the Transportation Code or driving law of Texas. I believe the Port Arthur Police Department is doing a fine job as a deterrent for violators and we also teach our motorists, because to us Gabe and citizens like yourself —”Your lives Matter.”

Join Me, Officer Antoine and the CREW Stephen “Buzzard Boots” Mosley, Lelo “mouth of Hwy 69/73” I Washington & Tejas “Lil Man”Morning Star for Ask A Cop live, on KSAP 96.9 FM The Breeze radio station, every Tuesday for 2 hours from 1 to 3 p.m. Tune in and listen as Officer Antoine discusses in detail the newly released “Ask A Cop” article that’s printed in The News. You can also tune in via the internet www.ksap969thebreeze.org. Feel free to call in and ask your question live to Officer Antoine at (409) 982-0247. *Now Ask A Cop is printed weekly in El Perico Hispanic Newspaper and weekly broadcast every Tuesday at 4:30 to 5 p.m. on Hispanic radio station KVAP-LP 95.5fm. Remember to email your questions torickey.antoine@portarthurtx.gov, or call 409-983-8673 and leave a voice mail question, or mail them to: Ofc. Rickey Antoine,645 4th Street, Port Arthur, Texas, 77640. “If you happen to see me in public, you can always feel free and comfortable to approach and ‘Ask a Cop.’