KANAWHA COUNTY, WV — A routine traffic stop erupted into a constitutional crisis Tuesday after the bumper stickers on a local man’s pickup truck realized they held several completely incompatible positions.
The disagreement began when 43-year-old Travis Coleman was pulled over for driving a truck with registration tags that expired in 2023.
As the officer approached the vehicle, Coleman’s BACK THE BLUE sticker immediately encouraged him to lower the window, place both hands on the steering wheel and respectfully cooperate.
A yellow DON’T TREAD ON ME sticker strongly disagreed.
“Ask if you’re being detained,” the snake reportedly hissed. “Do not answer questions. This is exactly what we warned you about.”
Coleman became visibly conflicted.
“I support law enforcement doing its job,” he explained. “I just never thought the job would involve enforcing a law against me.”
The situation became more confusing when a COME AND TAKE IT sticker on the opposite side of the tailgate learned the officer merely wanted Coleman’s expired license plate.
“I was speaking more figuratively,” the sticker clarified. “That phrase was never intended to include state-issued registration materials.”
A nearby skull decal wearing a tactical helmet initially appeared eager to escalate the encounter but became unusually quiet when the officer reached the driver’s window.
According to witnesses, Coleman spent several minutes attempting to determine whether complying with the traffic stop meant supporting police or allowing the government to tread upon him.
“I back the blue completely,” Coleman said. “But I also oppose government interference, especially when it interferes with where I’m currently trying to go.”
The officer explained that Coleman had been stopped because his registration was three years out of date and one of his brake lights was being held in place with camouflage duct tape.
Coleman accused the state of excessive regulation.
“If they can tell you your truck needs working lights, what’s next?” he asked. “Making people get insurance?”
The officer then asked for proof of insurance.
Coleman requested a supervisor.
The dispute ended when the officer issued a warning and instructed Coleman to renew his registration.
Coleman later described the incident as a dangerous example of government overreach, while also criticizing the officer for failing to arrest several drivers who passed during the stop at what he estimated were “criminal speeds.”
At press time, Coleman had added a new sticker reading I SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION, although he admitted he had not yet reached the amendments involving vehicle registration.
His BACK THE BLUE and DON’T TREAD ON ME stickers remain on opposite sides of the truck and are reportedly no longer speaking to each other.
The Holler Herald — West Virginia’s Least Reliable News Source
If it happens in the hills, we’ll probably report it. If it didn’t, give us about twenty minutes.
