I was 17 and driving my parents full sized Ford van home at about 12:30 AM one Saturday morning. I was not drinking, no drugs, no speeding no driving violations, nothing illegal.
I was pulled over by a county LEO. The officer, via loud speaker had me place my hands outside the window and leave them there. 4 (maybe more) more squad cars showed up. I was finally approached after about 15 minutes and asked for license and registration and insurance. I asked why I had been pulled over. “Just sit tight with your hands outside the vehicle.” I even asked to get out because it was painful to sit like that.
After about 40 minutes. I was given my stuff back and told I could leave. They never checked the van, never questioned me and never told me what “mistake” must have been made. It infuriated me. I was too young and scared to get an LEO name for my father. But he did file a complaint.
I never blamed the officers for “detaining me” for the 40 to 45 minutes. But I was super pissed that after the time and discomfort an officer didn't at least give me a reason, apologize for the inconvenience and send me on my way. I always suspected they were looking for a perp that fit either my description or that of the van I was driving. They may have even gotten a witness to the scene (I couldn't see crap with all the lights in my eyes). I expect they were “doing their job.”
A simple gesture to acknowledge the situation like, “Sorry kid. Wrong guy.” would have gone a long way with me.
Good post. Your story should be required reading during police academy training, with emphasis on the last paragraph.