I received a photo enforced ticket going through the Panther Lake school zone in Federal Way. The time on the ticket was 3:44 p.m. and 54.5 seconds. The enforceable time is 3:15 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.

I protested that it wasn’t me and there were no flashing lights during that time. The city didn’t care and charged me $210 anyway. They didn’t have to prove it was me driving and didn’t have to show the flashing light during the period.

It is clear there is an abuse of this authority. I went through the same zone at the same time and the light wasn’t flashing. Seems like the newspaper should be asking questions of city officials about this blatant abuse of power. I am discussing with my attorney to see about filing a lawsuit against the city.

These Gestapo tactics only fuel anti-government sentiment and there appears to be a growing sentiment that these cameras are for revenue purposes only.

Tom Trigg, Vashon Island (works in Federal Way)

Note: Federal Way Police Chief Brian Wilson responded to this letter with photos and a video of a black Cadillac Escalade registered to Mr. Trigg, traveling 27 mph in a 20 mph school zone. The truck is seen passing on the right. Click here to see the video.