My Run-In with LAPD?

Milliseconds to React - Live to Tell

Read the above for Context.

So my Summer Break began with leading a brother and fellow Creative to Christ! Discipleship never takes a break!

My Summer of LoveMaxxing and Relaxxing was rudely interrupted by this...

July 12, 2025 - My True Story

INT. MY CAR - SOUTH BAY - SATURDAY MORNING

I notice a POLICE CAR posted up at this complicated stop-sign intersection. I, like everyone, am careful not to do the typical "California stop." I get through the intersection. A non-event. In my rearview mirror, the police car lights up, speeds through the intersection.

Now, I work in and around hospitals everyday and am used to pulling to the side to let police and first responders pass me. This police car doesn't pass me. It pulls behind me.

The following takes about 10 seconds...

I'm frozen and a little confused. Put the car in park. I THINK "I did not roll that stop sign." "Do I have a tail light out?" "Is this the day that I get shot or die?" "Should I be recording this?" "Turn off the car, Ben." "Do I tell anyone this is happening?"

EXT. SOUTH BAY STREET

The police officer doesn't run my plate. He says something quickly on his radio and immediately gets out to approach my car.

INT. MY CAR - MILLISECONDS LATER

In my head - "Don't turn off the car! He's rollin' up on me too fast. No sudden moves."

I stare at him through my driver's side mirror so he sees my eyes and unknowingly my confused look. I didn't have time to think about making sure he could see my hands on the steering wheel.

Oddly enough, my heart wasn't racing. I didn't have an ounce of fear. I'm a black man being pulled over by LAPD. Odds are not in my favor that I survive this unscathed in some way form or fashion. I've got plenty of reasons to be so afraid. Why wasn't I?

10 seconds have elapsed as the officer gets to my driver's side window...