Man talking on phone, eating sandwich when police get in the way

Last modified: Thursday, April 17, 2008 2:03 PM CDT

Man talking on phone, eating sandwich when police get in the way

By MARK GUNDERMAN mark.gunderman@lee.net

A Chippewa Falls man was cited for inattentive driving Tuesday after hitting a Chippewa Falls Police Department squad car while eating a sandwich and talking on his cell phone.

Justin D. Grill, 19, 202 Cliff St., reportedly was surprised when he was issued the ticket, according to Chippewa Falls police.

Grill was driving a 1987 Ford Crown Victoria coming down the Court Street hill when he attempted to turn left onto Highway 124.

Det. Sgt. Robert Adams, 51, was driving a city squad car southbound on 124 approaching the bridge at 12:04 p.m. He stated he tried to move over but was still struck while in the right-hand lane.

The squad car was hit in the left side in the driver and passenger door areas.

There was only minor left front fender damage to Grill’s vehicle. There were no injuries.

Grill told the investigating officer that he was “talking on his phone” and didn’t see Adams’ squad. He also said he was eating a sandwich while driving.

City officer Lee Hakes filed the accident report, and issued the ticket.

According to Adams, Grill’s reaction was: “I’m getting a ticket? For what?”

Chief of Police Wayne Nehring, when asked if such a citation would be typical in this situation, said, “I would hope so. It had nothing to do with hitting a squad car. . . If they’re involved in an accident and even have a cell phone in their hand they should get a ticket. I get so frustrated with that.”

The squad car can still be driven and remains in service, Nehring said.

“It looks like a Chicago squad car now,” he said.