A traffic stop Wednesday resulted in officers drawing their weapons on a pair of occupants of a highway transport parked along Madison Avenue, before it became evident that what officers considered a knife was instead a religious artifact.
The incident became an instructive tool for everyone involved on religion symbolism, Police Chief Jared Warner told the Register.
The incident started during the lunch hour when officers approached the semi parked along Madison, near Sonic Drive-In.
Parking along that block is illegal.
As officers spoke with the driver, they noticed the passenger with his hand on what they thought was a concealed weapon, prompting them to draw their guns.
The tense situation quickly diffused when the passenger realized his actions were considered threatening. He then explained that he was holding onto what is actually considered one of the Sikh religion’s “Articles of Faith,” but which to officers appeared a knife.
“There was no ill intent,” Warner said.
The driver was cited for illegal parking before he and the passenger were released.
“Everybody was very understanding,” Warner said.
Guns drawn in traffic stop
