Cops Pulled Over Loughner Before Shooting
The New York Times reports:
Police stopped Jared L. Loughner for running a red light several hours before authorities say he opened fire outside a Tucson supermarket Saturday, but the state wildlife officer who made the traffic stop noticed nothing unusual about Mr. Loughner and had no probable cause to search the vehicle, Arizona authorities said Wednesday.
On Saturday at about 7:30 a.m. — some two-and-a-half hours prior to the shooting that left six dead and wounded 14, — the officer pulled over Mr. Loughner, 22, as he drove down an access road several miles from the supermarket. A check of his license and registration turned up no warrants and he was allowed to leave with a warning, officials said.
“The contact was very cordial,” said Jim Paxon, a spokesman for the Arizona Game and Fish Department. “Mr. Loughner was very forthcoming with his license and registration and insurance. The officer did a visual examination of the vehicle. He had no probable cause to search the vehicle or detain the subject.”
Also that morning, Mr. Loughner left his home holding a black bag, prompting his father to ask about it and then to pursue him, according to press reports.
The supervisor of a taxi company told The Times that Mr. Loughner called for a ride and was taken to the Safeway supermarket, where Ms. Giffords, who authorities said was the target of his attack, was holding a public meeting with constituents. The shooting broke out at 10:11 a.m., the authorities said.
