The latest news about Maine lakes and ponds.

State Trooper Hands Out Speeding Ticket During Marriage Proposal.

January 28, 2009 - CLINTON — Joe Chretien didn't sign up for this when he became a Maine State Police trooper. But as he witnessed on a recent traffic stop, love conquers all.

Shortly after pulling over a woman for going 92 mph in a 65 mph zone Saturday night in the northbound lanes of Interstate 95, Chretien found himself in a scenario right out of the movies.

"I noticed the gentleman in the passenger's seat," Chretien said. "He was kind of nervous to get my attention."

After filling out his paperwork, which led to a costly ticket for Mallory Harmon of Scarborough, Chretien walked over and watched as the man showed him a black box from Zale's. Inside, the man – whose name Chretien did not record – showed him a big diamond ring.

"He said, 'I'm trying to figure out a way to ask her to marry me, and I just don't know how,"' Chretien said. "I was kind of dumbfounded, and asked if he wanted me to provide a lead-in, and he said yes."

Chretien then told Harmon that her companion had something to tell her – something that might make her feel better after the speeding charge. The man opened the door, got down on one knee alongside I-95 and proposed.

Harmon accepted.

"I said, 'Congratulations to both of you,' and went back to my car," Chretien said. "They sat there for a couple of minutes, hugging and kissing. Then he got in the driver's seat and drove away. It had a happy ending."

But Chretien said he was not happy to see someone driving 92 in a 65 zone. Harmon was barely under the limit of criminal speed, which is 30 mph above the limit.

"She said she was distracted and didn't realize she was going that fast," the trooper said.

"But I'm glad it had a happy ending. I guess I might have helped facilitate it for him, and I'm glad I was able to do that. I called my wife and said, 'You're not going to believe this."'

Harmon must pay the state $263 for going 25 mph to 29 mph faster than the speed limit.

By LARRY GRARD, Morning Sentinel January 24, 2009


Lakes:
Regions: Bangor


Print this story

Email this story

return to Lake News