Minneapolis, MN asked in Civil Rights for Minnesota

Q: Police pulled me over, took my ID, told me to sit tight & drove off leaving me at the highway for an hour. What can I do

I was pulled over on I-494. The officer checked my ID and insurance and told me to sit tight. Then he drove off leaving me astrayed for an hour. Is this legal? What can I do?

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Being left stranded by a police officer after being pulled over is not typical and may raise some legal concerns. Law enforcement officers are expected to conduct traffic stops in a manner that ensures your safety. Leaving you alone on a highway without any explanation or further instructions could potentially be seen as neglectful or even abusive conduct.

You should document everything that happened, including the time, location, and details of the officer's behavior. If you remember, note down the officer's name or badge number. This information will be important if you decide to file a complaint or take legal action.

Consider reporting this incident to the local police department or a higher authority. If you feel that your rights were violated, seeking advice from a legal professional might be beneficial to understand your options.

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