Only On 2: LAPD Officer Announces Ticket-Writing Plans On Facebook

WOODLAND HILLS (CBSLA.com) — An LAPD officer who said he is sick of pedestrians being struck near El Camino High School is using social media to warn drivers that he is cracking down in a big way.

Officer Brent Rygh posted on Facebook that he's so fed up with traffic problems on Valley Circle Boulevard that for the next several weeks he'll be writing as many tickets as possible.

"I have to protect and serve, and in this case the public is in danger," Rygh told CBS2's Peter Daut on Wednesday.

Rygh, a senior lead officer, said nearly every day he sees cars taking over the right shoulder and bike lane on Valley Circle Boulevard to bypass traffic.

"Parents are afraid to send their high-school age children to school on their bicycle because it's just too dangerous," Rygh said.

He is so outraged by the problem he posted a message on Facebook, which says in part: "Consider this fair warning... I'm going to be that sneaky traffic cop that writes up everybody. Hate on it all you want, but I'm tired of the ambulances."

"It's a daily occurrence out here," Rygh said.

He is also posting photos of the drivers he's ticketed online. He blurs out identifying information, and considers the approach a way for police to raise awareness.

"There's simply not enough of us to go around, so that's why I look to social media for some extra help,' the officer said.

El Camino student Shant Kalaydjian said he was almost hit by a car Wednesday morning walking to school, and he supports aggressive action to improve safety.

"Traffic at this intersection is just terrible," Kalaydjian said. "These close calls, they're not uncommon. but I'm glad something's being done to stop this."

Officer Rygh said he hates writing tickets, and hopes his online warning will help put the brakes on bad drivers.

"If I can change somebody's driving behavior without having to cost them expensive traffic tickets, I'm willing to give it a try," he said.

Rygh said he'll be out watching traffic starting Thursday morning. He said most violations typically happen before school starts, around 8 a.m.