To do some target shooting in the dumps
we need rifles. To obtain weapons we travel to a friends house in
High Bridge. One evening after Bill finishes work he, another friend
and myself take off in my fathers car for the hinterlands. Using
old Route 22, we arrive at his family's house, have a beer. Picking
up two rifles we are soon traveling back to Newark.
Heading east on Route 22 we sail along at a good clip. Soon we
are slowed down by beer trucks from Pennsylvania heading for the
big city, as they slowly climb the hills of Route 22. Waiting for
them to crest the rise and seeing a clear roadway ahead I accelerate
and pass the truck #1. I do the same for Number Two. Beyond looms
beer truck Number Three, and I patiently wait for it to reach the
summit. When it does and I have a clear view, I hit the gas pedal
and fly past at a great rate of speed. Surprise, surprise traveling
in front of that beer truck is a New Jersey State Troopers Cruiser.
Soon I'm aware of red lights blazing and sirens screaming behind
my vehicle. Pulling over to the side of the road, I await those
denizens of the law. Stopping their car in front of mine, one trooper
shines a searchlight at us and appears to be holding a rifle or
shotgun pointed in our direction. Now two other officers approach
my car, one on either side. The one on the passenger side orders
my friends out and has them stand with their hands on the radiator,
while he searches the glove compartment. The trooper on my side
requests Driver License and Vehicle Registration . He questions
about car ownership and reason for travel.
I explain to him about the two weapons in the back seat and he
asks me if I'm going hunting. I reply that it's illegal to hunt
with a rifle in New Jersey and he chuckles. After a few more questions
he indicates that we may proceed. He walks back towards his cruiser
and after a few paces he abruptly turns and returns to my window
and says "By the way young man, the speed limit on this road
is forty five miles per hour".
Now we are on our way back to Newark. Later we learn the reason
for the three troopers in that car, an unusual practice at that
time. That evening three extremely dangerous inmates had escaped
from prison and a major manhunt was in progress. Hearing that we
were all very happy that we had not made any false and fast moves
when being questioned by the policemen.
Then it's home at last Down Neck. All's well that ends well.
|
