Man tried to use signal blocker devcie to stop drivers from making phone calls
A Seffner, Florida man was caught by investigators using a cell phone jammer device while commuting and faces the maximum fine allowed by law, $48,000. Jason R. Humphries, 60, admitted that he installed and activated the signal jammer on his SUV while commuting between 2011 and 2013.
Humphries said his original intention was to prevent other drivers from talking on the phone while driving, thinking it would improve road safety. However, his actions caused more serious problems than just affecting nearby drivers' calls.
The Hazards of Signal Interference: Public Safety Hazards and Law Enforcement Action
Humphreys’ behavior caught the attention of MetroPCS, which found that its signal towers along Interstate I-4 had abnormal signals at certain times. After a period of monitoring, agents from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) identified the source of the interference, tracked Humphreys’ whereabouts, and eventually arrested him. When approaching Humphreys’ SUV, law enforcement officers found that their radio equipment was inoperable, which further demonstrated the powerful influence of the jammer device.
In addition to blocking mobile phone calls, this illegal device may also hinder 911 emergency calls and police radio communications, posing a serious public safety hazard. Therefore, the FCC decided to fine Humphreys $48,000, the maximum amount required by law, to warn the public of the serious consequences of such behavior.
