KIOWA COUNTY, Kan. (KSNW) Sheriff’s deputies in Kansas made an unexpected traffic stop on Friday when they pulled over a vehicle carrying none other than 1980s pop-rock icon John Waite and his band.
Sergeant Justin Rugg conducted the stop as the group was headed to Dodge City, Kansas, for a performance at United Wireless Arena. A longtime fan, Rugg couldn’t hide his excitement.
“I’m not even on cloud nine, I’m on like cloud 12,” Rugg said after meeting the English rock singer, best known for hits like “Missing You” and “When I See You Smile.”
The Kiowa County Sheriff’s Office shared the encounter in a lighthearted social media post, calling Waite a “cool guy” and thanking him for taking a photo with the sergeant.
On his official Facebook page, Waite said they were “pulled over for speeding” and called Rugg a “good guy cop.”
Waite’s band continued on their way, with deputies wishing them a “rockin’ time.”
His career began in the 1970s when he became the bassist and lead vocalist for The Babys, which later disbanded after Waite was “pulled from the stage by an overzealous fan during an encore.” According to his website, Waite “seriously injured his knee” in the incident.
Waite went on to launch a solo career through the 1980s before forming Bad English with former bandmates of The Babys, Jonathan Cain and Ricky Phillips; Journey guitarist Neal Schon; and drummer Deen Castronovo. The group would break up a few years later, relaunching Waite’s solo efforts.
Waite’s tour has several more U.S. tour stops through November, including Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, and Louisville.
