Judge dismisses traffic case against 100‑year‑old World War II veteran

A judge in the Municipal Court of Providence dismissed a traffic case against 100‑year‑old Caster Salami on grounds of his military service and long driving record. "Based on your contributions to this country, we're not going to, go any further with this... And this case is dismissed," the judge said during the hearing.

Salami identified himself to the court and repeatedly referenced his background: "My name is Caster Salami," he said, and that he had "been driving since 84 years" and had driven without a ticket for decades. He told the court he served in the U.S. Army in the 1940s and that he "turned 100 in June." The judge acknowledged the service and age as mitigating factors.

The judge also referenced video evidence that was "supposed to indicate" Salami went through a red light and said the footage "looked close to me." Salami told the court, "Oh, Judge, I wasn't even paying attention to the red light," and added, "For what he did for our country, he could go through a few more." After hearing that exchange, the judge concluded the matter by dismissing the case.

No formal motion record, vote tally, or ordinance numbers were provided in the transcript. The dismissal was announced verbally by the presiding judge and no further action was recorded in the provided transcript.