Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Hailey police hold crosswalk ‘sting’

37 drivers cited for alleged law violations

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By TERRY SMITH
Express Staff Writer

Thirty-seven motorists were issued citations in Hailey last week in a crosswalk "sting" conducted by the city's police department.

"We probably stopped 70 cars—some of them got warnings," Hailey Police Chief Jeff Gunter said.

The operation was conducted from 1-5 p.m. on Thursday, June 3, at crosswalks across Main Street at its intersections with Carbonate and Galena streets.

Gunter said an officer wearing civilian clothing served as a decoy pedestrian while patrol cars were standing by to run down alleged offenders. Orange traffic cones were set up 75 feet from the crosswalks and drivers more than 75 feet away from the crosswalk were issued citations if they didn't stop once the decoy pedestrian stepped off the curb.

Gunter said drivers who didn't stop and were within 75 feet of the crosswalk only got warnings. He explained that drivers more than 75 feet away had adequate time to stop before reaching the crosswalk.

"As soon as they step off the curb, it's your obligation to stop," Gunter said. "It's like a stop sign."

The police chief said suspects found guilty will likely be fined about $77 each.

He said Hailey police plan to conduct more crosswalks stings this summer.

Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com

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