Public Complaint No. 1680550508 - 1280612212

William A Baker
1900 East Woodrow Wilson Avenue
Jackson, Mississippi 39216

Date of Offense

April 2, 2023

Complaint


Statement

We were traveling west toward Oxford MS & state trooper (Baker- F036) was traveling east toward Pontotoc, MS. There were 2 other vehicles that had passed our vehicle which allocated Caucasian individuals. The officer proceeded to turn around in pursuit of the other 2 vehicles and passed our vehicle(2010 Grey Doge Charger). The officer traveled a 1/2 of mile to the other vehicles and proceeded behind them. We then continued our route on the right side the highway. At this time he proceeded to pull off of the highway and waited for at least 2-3mintues for our vehicle to pass him, the officer proceeded to follow our vehicle 1/3 of a mile and turned on his blue lights. We pulled off highway and he approached the window. The officer asked for my husband licensed and insurance and he stated that he clocked us driving 87 miles in a 65 mile zone. He then went back to his vehicle and to print the ticket. When officer returned back with the ticket, we asked if we could ask him a question. He stated yes- we then asked him" why did it take him so long to pull us over and how did he determine what vehicle to pull over?" The officer then stated " because you all was driving with your windows down!! " We then proceeded to say sir with our windows down but we NEVER drive with our windows down- he the stated very aggressively "DON'T ARGUE WITH ME"! My husband said sir in a calm voice we are arguing but - the officer then said" IF you have a problem with the ticket right here at my thumb, is the number to contact or any other questions ask the judge on May 10th!" and turned and walked off. This is a big problem for US-- 1. There was no way on earth we was going 87 miles in a 65 miles zone. We was just driving along coming back from a family reunion listening to our church music. 2. The 2 vehicles that passed us both allocated Caucasians individuals which he followed and did not stop and they had to be speeding in order to pass our vehicle. 3. Where is there a law stating that you can't drive with your windows down even though we DID NOT HAVE OUR WINDOWS DOWN! This officer said he clearly saw our windows down & he saw a ORANGE SHIRT!!!!! No this is not TRUE AT ALL! 4. I thought that if you have a questions about anything you are being accused of you have a right to ask. The vehicle listed on this ticket is a Dodge Charger 2023. We do not own a 2023 Dodge Charger, but that's what is listed on this ticket. Our vehicle is a 2010 Dodge Charger. Lastly, we feel like we were racially profiled due to the officer being unsure of the vehicle that was in violation. If my husband was driving 87 miles an hour how could this officer look and see what color shirt my husband was wearing on a 4 lane highway, clearly this doesn't make any sense. We understand that there are laws to be followed, but we are also law abiding citizen that wants to treated fairly. Please review this incident. Thanks, Michael & Bridgette Woods

Address

Pontotoc, MS 38863, USA

34.2478831, -88.998673