122 cited in Norwalk crosswalk sting
NORWALK -- Deputies cited 122 drivers for crosswalk-related violations early Thursday during a sting operation, authorities said.
Two deputies in plain clothing crossed Studebaker Road near Dune Street from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Ralph Gama said.
When nearby motor officers spotted a violation, primarily drivers failing to yield to the pedestrians, they stopped and ticketed the drivers, the sergeant said.
In all, 99 tickets were issued for failing to yield to a pedestrian, four tickets were for passing another vehicle that was stopped for a pedestrian and 19 various other citations were written, Sgt. Marc Burruss said.
Deputies also impounded seven cars from drivers due to driver's license violations, he added.
A total of 3,333 cars passed through the checkpoint, officials said.
"The whole concept is crosswalk safety awareness," Gama said. "We want (drivers) to slow down and be aware of pedestrians."
Gama also reminded pedestrians to be cautious and make sure traffic is stopped before stepping into the roadway.
"Try to make eye contact with the driver," he said.
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| Frank Girardot, Metro Editor for the San Gabriel Valley Newspapers, brings you behind the yellow tape with takes on true crime, cold cases and more. This is also your forum to discuss crime, its impact on your neighborhood and how we cover it. Have any questions or tips? You can leave a comment here or e-mail Frank. |
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Brian Day is the crime reporter for the San Gabriel Valley Newspaper group. E-mail Brian. |
I sent this to state and local representatives.
I'm sending this to express my opinion of the misuse and abuse of government resources. Why is it acceptable for local and county law enforcement to set-up traffic violation traps with the sole purpose to take money from law abiding, tax paying citizens? In my opinion this is outrageous and on the border of abuse of power.
For example; I was pulled over for failure to yield for a crosswalk. The law enforcement agency had set-up an area where an individual would purposely walk back and forth on the cross walk just for the sole purpose to issue violations. It was clear that their intent for this activity was disingenuous and was not being conducted for public safety reasons but conducted as a money looting operation. I understand that city, state and federal governments all have fiscal problems, but practices like the one I was a victim of today is not the solution.
My hope in sending this is to make you aware of such activities and voice my displeasure. I work to hard for my money and pay my share of taxes, I don't think its right that through an disingenuous act by the same organization that is there to protect and serve me and my family, that they are being used to raise revenue. This practice needs to be stopped!
Thank you for listening and hope to hear your reply.