This week, I almost became the next Renee Good or Alex Pretti — the next innocent victim of a police shooting. Officer Andrew Sholl of the Scarborough Police Department had his “gun” pointed at me and felt “in danger,” but didn’t fire any shots. It was all an innocent misunderstanding and Officer Sholl’s restraint saved my life. Here’s the story.

I was driving home on the Scarborough Connector when I saw a motorist in the breakdown lane waving for help … or so I thought. I pulled over to offer assistance. But as I neared the vehicle, I realized it was a police cruiser. The person I thought was a disabled motorist waving for help was actually Office Sholl outside his vehicle holding a radar gun. Scarborough PD was running its end-of-the-month speed trap.

Once I realized my mistake, I returned to the highway and continued home. I didn’t get far before I was pulled over. Turns out Officer Sholl thought his life was “in danger” when he saw my car pull into the breakdown lane. For an instant, he feared my approaching car was a weapon aimed directly at him.

This innocent misunderstanding could have turned tragic. A police officer in fear for his life can use “deadly force.” Officer Sholl could have shot and killed me. And my homicide would have been ruled “justifiable.”

Officer Sholl cited me for “driving to endanger,” but he didn’t shoot me. Thank you, Officer Sholl, for exercising restraint. Your restraint saved my life. Let this close call be a lesson for others — motorists and police.

Erwin Rupert
Scarborough