Gig Harbor police blotter: Right side of the road, wrong side of the car

Wheel on the wrong side

March 7 – After pulling over a vehicle recklessly driving, the officer went to the driver’s window, only to realize the steering wheel and driver were on the right side. The officer detected a strong odor of alcohol, but the driver insisted the vehicle was new to him, which was the reason for his reckless driving.

Police pulled the vehicle over at 1:40 a.m. southbound on 4800 Point Fosdick Drive. The driver explained to the officer that this car was recently imported from Japan, which was why it had right-hand drive. Three passengers insisted they were the ones who drank, and not the driver.

The driver was arrested, cited for DUI and given a court date.

Bottomless credit card

March 7 – Two men used a gift card or prepaid debit card to fuel their vehicle at a gas station. Because of a software issue, the card, with only a few dollars on it, could be used to purchase over $100 worth of gas, as the pumps don’t stop at the balance of the card. The men knew this, police said.

Police were dispatched at 11:19 p.m. to the 5100 block of Olympic Drive where the driver and passenger filled a car with over $100 worth of gas, using a card with only $20 on it.

The two men were given trespass admonishments. The officer warned that if they returned and pulled the same scam again, they could be arrested for felony burglary.

This story was originally published March 17, 2020 at 12:00 AM.