Kobi Shabtai, the former police commissioner, was caught about two weeks ago in the Ad Halom intersection area, near Ashdod, driving at a speed of 136 km/h - even though the speed limit there is 90 km/h.
According to a report this evening (Sunday) on Channel 12, the incident occurred during a routine trip, when a traffic police officer signaled him to stop.
Although he did not try to argue with the policewoman, Shabtai hinted to her about his identity - when he asked: "Do you know who I am?""
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She said she recognized him and decided to release him after a few seconds, without giving him a fine or points for the offense.
In a conversation with News 12, Shabtai confirmed the details: "It's true, the speed was very limited - but for a small section. It was a one-second distraction, I wasn't driving continuously at speed. I drove for almost two hours legally. It can happen to any person.".
Shabtai noted that this was his first traffic offense in 40 years of driving - and emphasized: "I've been without traffic offenses for 40 years, this is my first time and it was unintentional. I wasn't going crazy. I was very surprised that they stopped me.".
When asked whether he tried to hint to the policewoman that he should be given a fine because of his status, he replied: "I have never taken advantage of my status and my positions. Like a citizen who is caught for the first time, you tell him 'No, no, no' and release him. I asked if she recognized who I was, because I saw that she was hesitating.".
