The Pocket-Dial Strikes Again

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We've all been there.  You think you're enjoying a private conversation with your friends, only to later discover that the cell phone you had squirreled away in your pocket has betrayed you and called, seemingly on its own, someone from your "Contacts" list.  It is one of the ways in which modern technology discourages gossip.  You just never know when you will fall victim to the "pocket-dial."

Take Floridian James Dollarhide and his two unfortunate passengers, for example.  They were just driving along in their tow truck, minding their own business, when the police pulled them over, ostensibly to check on the welfare of the occupants.  Dollarhide was found to be operating the tow truck with a suspended license, a pretty big no-no, and, after the three men consented to being searched, a crack pipe was found in the pocket of one of the passengers, also a pretty big no-no.

Now, as an attorney, I do just want to point out that if you have a crack pipe in your pocket, it is probably not the best idea to consent to a search.  That is never, and I mean NEVER, going to end well.  Fortunately, in this case, the passenger informed police that it wasn't his crack pipe but instead belonged to his father.  He was simply being a good son and holding it so his father would not get in trouble with the landlord.  Good thing he was able to clear that right up.

So, what really triggered this particular police stop?  A 911 call, made by one of the occupants of the vehicle.  Apparently, he pocket-dialed 911, where dispatchers listened in on a long and involved conversation regarding their business plans, namely dealing drugs.  After listening long enough, they were able to track the location of the call and glean enough details to identify the tow truck from whence the call originated.  Needless to say, these gentlemen are switching to flip phones.

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See also:

Keep your hands and torso to yourself

McDonald's Robbed by Gun-Wielding Obama Wannabe

"I hereby sentence you to Red Lobster!"

"Officer Smith commented on your photo."

Is that a chicken in your pants...?