Police Use Train In Railroad Crossing Sting

Centralia police used a train on Thursday in a sting operation to ticket dozens of drivers for failing to stop at railroad tracks.

Several drivers were angry over getting a $124 ticket for failing to stop at a flashing red light as a Union Pacific train went back and forth, triggering a crossing signal.

"I think it's crooked," said Dewayne Cody, one of nearly 40 drivers who were ticketed.

Some drivers said it was a way for the city to make money.

"I think this is just defrauding people, good citizens out of their money, and it shouldn't be tolerated," said Keith Williams.

Officials said the goal of the patrol was to improve safety.

"Hopefully, that citation will remind them next time not to violate the law and hopefully save a life," said Dean Dahlin of Operation Lifesaver, a train safety group that helped organize the patrol.

There were 36 collisions at train crossings and four fatalities in 2008, according to Operation Lifesaver's Web site.