The situation was escalated way beyond the necessity.
Police use routine traffic stops as fishing expeditions to see what else might be going on.
I got pulled over on my way home from the gym at 5 AM on New Years day for taking a corner too wide in my 1 ton 3500 pickup. Police were sure I was drunk but one small problem, I do not drink.
They used the fact that my big truck does not corner like and sports car to pull me over.
Then asked if they could search my vehicle. I said sure, get a warrant and I'll make a quick call to my lawyer.
The declined.
I must say, I do not think the Soldier acted in the most professional manner either.
The Sergeant Major of the Army put out a statement saying he is proud of the LT and “SMA Michael Grinston said he was “concerned” by the video of the incident, which has garnered national attention. He commended Army Lt. Caron Nazario for his “calm, professional response to the situation” and said Nazario represented the Army well.” If that is representing the Army well, it’s not the US Army I proudly served in nor a Non Commissioned Officer corps I would be proud of.