By The Associated Press on April 25, 2024.
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) – A routine traffic stop on a highway south of Denmark’s capital turned into an unusual standoff as a 26-year-old woman locked her car and refused to speak to the police officer who had pulled her over, authorities said Thursday. The Central and West Zealand Police said in its daily report that the woman, who was not identified, was originally pulled over near the town of Koege on Wednesday for talking on a handheld cell phone while driving and not wearing a seat belt. Police also noted that the tires on her car were worn out, there was no rear window and the vehicle’s insurance had expired, the report said. To open the car, the officers had to call a mechanic. Once that was done, they detained the woman and took her to a nearby hospital for a blood test. Inside the car, police found two folding knives, leading to additional charges, they said. In Denmark, police can search a vehicle when they pull it over for a traffic violation. No other details were given. The Central and West Zealand Police covers the area south and west of Copenhagen. 8