AP - Feature Stories

Good Samaritan Faces $117 Traffic Fine
Fri Feb 28, 9:53 AM ET

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OWASSO, Okla. - A Good Samaritan may have to pay for his good deeds.

 

Doug Jones faces a $117 traffic fine after using his jeep to pull
stranded motorists out of a ditch on U.S. 169 during a snowstorm last
Sunday. Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers said Jones posed a potentially
life-threatening situation and ticketed him for improperly parking on
the roadway.

Jones said a friend called him Sunday and asked him to help pull his
son's vehicle out of a ditch.

"I pulled him out, and while I was doing it, a trooper pulled in behind
me with his lights flashing. He never got out of the car. I thought he
pulled in behind just to make sure we weren't hit," Jones said.

He said he then went on to assist a second stranded car and then started
to assist a third when another trooper arrived.

Lt. Ron Davis said one trooper first warned Jones over his public
address system that he needed to move on because he could cause another
wreck.

Troopers said they don't discourage people from helping each other, but
sometimes that help creates a hazard.

"We wholeheartedly support neighbors helping neighbors," Davis said.
"This is Oklahoma; we are known for that."

Jones' supporters have offered to sign petitions, protest and even pay
for the ticket.