This is how stuff frequently happens in traffic courts; traffic offenses aren’t even crimes, they are civil offenses. If the accusing officer does not appear, the judge can just let it skate. It isn’t worth the court’s time for the revenue.
Why a separate charge in normal criminal court was not brought — that should be the concern. Not why a traffic ticket was skated on.
I read somewhere else that, without this ticket, they couldn't proceed with a criminal charge. So, this wasn't so much about the $166 as it was about what could follow. Now, all they can do is sue.
Again, I'm really bothered about how America has gone so far down the road of criminalizing accidents. But the outrage is that, if I negligently ran over a cop on a motorcycle ... well ... you know.