A police officer forced my 72-year-old husband to lie face-down on scorching asphalt all because his exhaust was too loud –
On a scorching day, police forced my 72-year-old husband, Harold, a Vietnam veteran, face-down on 97-degree asphalt for a “routine stop” over his motorcycle’s “loud” exhaust, which had passed inspection. Officer Kowalski humiliated him, keeping a boot near his head, mocking the “old biker.” Harold, a Bronze Star recipient, endured 23 minutes of agony, his arthritic knees burning. Kowalski whispered he didn’t belong on the roads, shattering Harold’s spirit. He
withdrew, his bike untouched. Furious, I learned seven other bikers faced similar harassment after opposing a noise ordinance. I rallied the community—wives, veterans, a VA doctor, and my attorney nephew. At the city council, we presented evidence, including video of Harold’s stop. Veterans shared how riding heals PTSD; my nephew outlined lawsuits. The ordinance was dropped, and Kowalski apologized. Harold resumed riding, leading 500 bikers on Memorial Day. His bike, a symbol of resilience, roars again. They tried to break him. They failed.
