Here's Why We Don't Post Videos of Ourselves Speeding

This seems like a silly public service announcement to have to make, but it’s imprudent to post videos of yourself breaking traffic laws. Beau Alan Rogel of Rankin County, Mississippi found that out the hard way after live streaming his attempt to break 180 mph in his wife’s 2017 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350.

In the midst of his feat, a viewer decided to contact police and notify them that Rogel was traveling at excessive speeds, helpfully mentioning where he could be found. The video, which he reposted on YouTube, includes the moment where he is pulled over and (understandably) denies everything he had just been explaining to his audience.

While not arrested at the time, the Rankin County Deputies on scene clearly understand what is happening, commenting that his camera phone is still streaming as they try to interrogate him on the side of the road.

They let him go, but Rogel was arrested shortly thereafter. The Mustang was confiscated so police could pull driving data off the vehicle’s computer.

However, it wasn’t the singular video that got the driver in trouble. According to local reports from WSAZ, in addition to on-road shenanigans, Rogel had also posted images of several firearms — occasionally as part of a sale. Normally, the Second Amendment would make this a non-issue, but Rogel’s status as a felon complicates things. Deputies recovered two weapons from his home and charged him with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, in addition to the reckless driving charge.

His wife, Christina Ann Rogel, was also arrested. After posting bail, she took to the still-active YouTube account to explain they are getting a divorce and how she desperately tried to prevent him from leaving the house in her car. The video was streamed in a Q&A format and frequently included Mr. Rogel, leading many viewers to suggest that he should stop posting incriminating materials online — which really should have gone without saying.

While the best way to avoid legal scrutiny is to consistently drive within the limits of the law, a good backup plan is to not stream footage of yourself violating those laws when your foot grows heavy. Thanks to the numerous videos, Rogel made it about as easy for authorities to investigate as humanly possible.

Christina received a $2,000 bond while Beau a got $20,000. He’s scheduled to face the Rankin County Grand Jury for his felony charges later this year. Rankin County District Attorney John “Bubba” Bramlett will handle the prosecution.