NEWBERRY TOWNSHIP, PA — A traffic stop turned tense when a vehicle occupant quickly exited holding what appeared to be a firearm but was later confirmed to be a cell phone.
The incident occurred during a recent traffic stop conducted by Officer Althouse of the Newberry Township Police Department.
The occupant exited the vehicle holding an object before Officer Althouse had left his patrol car, giving the officer only a fraction of a second to assess the situation.
The item was confirmed to be a cell phone, not a weapon.
The traffic stop ended safely, and the individuals involved were not cited for any violations.
Police said the vehicle’s occupants were experiencing mechanical issues that prevented them from stopping immediately when emergency signals were activated.
The Newberry Township Police Department released details of the incident to educate the public about the split-second decisions officers face during routine encounters.
