I was cited today for speeding on Southbound I5 near Lacey by WSP.
Between exit 111 Marvin Rd and 109 Martin Way. Apparently this age old
shooting gallery of theirs, (hiding in shadows Meridian Rd. overpass north
of exit 111, and giant bare spot behind bushes in median just south of
carpenter rd overpass. you can seeit on google sattelite view. textbook
obvious) is now being shot by air too. An unexpected surprise. Not to see
the patrol cars in the median, but to have one pull out for me as I went
by at 65.
Officer stated I was observed by aircraft dong 84 in a 60 by carpenter rd
overpass. and he cited me for that.
There were a ton of WSP cars all over the freeway with
people pulled over. Probably around 6-12 patrol officers working the trap.
I mentioned to him that I was surprised that
they were using the planes again as a few years ago they stopped using them
for speed enforcement due to budget cuts. (Planes are VERY expensive to
operate and even with all those officers spewing tickets the revenue wouldn’t
cover it) He said no, they use it. I asked when the last time was they did this.
He said about three weeks ago. So apparently there has been a change, I
guess keep your sunroof’s sun shade open and keep a lookout above also.
I’m peeved they have found funds to use the planes again too. It used to
be the Insurance industry’s highway safety whatever lobby arm that funded
the aircraft patrols, then the states with fed. Highway funds, then they all
cut budgets back.
In my work I’m all over the place and know most “spots” where enforcement
is often found so I was dismayed to be snared. Also I NEVER speed in town, Its
unsafe usually and a sure way to get a ticket. Since I work as a Process
Server, I know that often when one serves as their own attorney they have a
fool for a client. Does anyone know who “The Guy” is for these type of citations
in the Puget Sound area? I know there are lots of atty stars in DUI defense, but
it there one for this stuff? Is this the kind of ticket that is only beat on
technicalities? How do you beat aircraft tickets??? How can I go
about contesting this? Should I subpoena both pilot and car officers?
Thanks,
Marshall

