silverF250
Full Access Member
Some lights are even longer. I sat for over 5 minutes at an intersection one day until I finally ran the light. The bad part is there was no traffic and I could see the other lights go through the cycle 10 times.
its ok to run red lights
- Thread starter powerboatr
- Start date
architect-builder
Full Access Member
Scooter
Full Access Member
It is interesting to me how the original post can dictate the tone of the discussion. I am on another board that has a lot of current and former LEO's, and most of them are Captains and above. They all agree that the cop was being stupid, and a jerk. I am certain that there is a line that was crossed by both of them, but this is just an observation.
powerboatr
living well in Texas
just today they announced the policeman may loose his job, and he made a few public apology statements.
I think the jest of my post since i started it was this
PRO sports players, sec. of treasury, music idols etc, all seem to think because they have excesses of dollars that they can blow off the laws of the land. PERIOD
its hard enough out there for law enforcement to get a fair shake when the ACLU and any other johnny come lately with a law degree plays the poor innocent victim card.
i am sure the loss of this guys mil was an emotional event.
he should have thought more clearly when A. he dressed like a hoodlum. B. speed through a known part of the city for drugs and shootings. C.stopped and let the office know up front hey my MIL is dying at blank blank hospital. ignoring the police for what ten blocks or more....i would be on edge as a policeman as well. Do you think the player had a cell phone??? he could have called 911 and let them know what was going on, albeit it may or may not have diffused the situation, but it may have softened some????
I have had reasons to speed to the hospital, and once was stopped and as soon as i established the facts i was sent on my way safely, and yes once with a police escort.
i have a tons of respect for the police. but that's not to say they are ALL the best they can be. and this day in age with people having parades to celebrate cop killers, these guys have to be over vigilant to protect themselves and the unarmed citizens
if my post offended or hurt a few folks feelings, well.... I will not apologize for supporting law enforcement.
strokepower
Stroke=Power
ok here's my thoughts... BIG JOE.. it's not just these days.. it's always been about who you are.. sadly that is just the way it is and always will be... It was according to the LAW illegal to run the light.. however if someone close to me was dieing... i would probably run a red light also.. but only after making it certain that no one else could get hurt by my actions (which it seems the player did).. the officer had every right to make the stop... but he should have used better judgment with the situation.. he could issued the ticket and told the player to get on his way and stay within the law... end of story... but unfortunately we all have egos and none of us know exactly what was said during the stop... so egos from both sides may have played a role... either way the situation was handled wrong on both sides in my opinion...
DaveBen
SDD Senior Member
I just read that the officer involved quit the Dallas Police force. It is in the AP news.
Dave
Dave
Well said PB. My sentiments exactly.
Although it will never be made Public.. I'd bet this Policeman, after this incident and hoop law, realized within himself.. he was burnt out. As PB eludes to.. It's TUFF to be in police work these days.
DaveBen
SDD Senior Member
Cop who stopped NFL player in hospital lot resigns
By JAMIE STENGLE
Associated Press Writer
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DALLAS (AP) -- The police officer who pulled out his gun and threatened an NFL player with jail instead of allowing him inside a hospital where his mother-in-law was dying resigned Wednesday. Officer Robert Powell had been placed on leave for the March 18 incident when he stopped Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats' SUV outside Baylor Regional Medical Center in suburban Plano after the vehicle rolled through a red light. Moats' wife, Tamishia, and other relatives were also in the car.
"I made this decision in the hope that my resignation will allow the Dallas Police Department, my fellow officers and the citizens of Dallas to better reflect on this experience, learn from the mistakes made, and move forward," Powell said in a statement issued through his attorneys.
During the incident, caught on the officer's dashboard camera, Moats pleaded for several minutes to be allowed inside the hospital for the final moments of 45-year-old Jonetta Collinsworth's life. She died from cancer before Moats got there, while Powell wrote the player a ticket and lectured him.
"I can screw you over," Powell, 25, can be heard saying on the video. "I'd rather not do that. Your attitude will dictate everything that happens." As they argued, the officer got irritated. "Shut your mouth," Powell said. "You can either settle down and cooperate or I can just take you to jail for running a red light."
Powell later issued an apology. Moats' agent, Jordan Woy, said the couple has accepted the apology and will meet with Powell because he wanted to apologize in person. Woy said in an e-mail Wednesday that they'll meet so "the matter can be finalized and everyone can have closure to this situation."
Powell said he wants the meeting "to personally express my deep regret, sympathy, and to apologize for my poor judgment and unprofessional conduct." He also said he wants to apologize to his fellow officers.
A call to Dallas police was not immediately returned Wednesday.
In the video, Tamishia Moats and another woman disregarded Powell's order to get back inside their vehicle, and they rushed into the hospital. Powell yelled at Tamishia Moats to stay in the SUV.
"Excuse me, my mom is dying," Tamishia Moats said before going into the hospital. "Do you understand?"
She was by the side of her mother when Collinsworth died a short time later.
Moats explained that he had waited until there was no traffic before continuing through the red light. When Powell asked for proof of insurance, Moats grew more agitated and told the officer to go find it.
Police said the ticket issued to Moats was dismissed. Police Chief Kunkle has apologized to the family over the incident, saying, "When we at the command staff reviewed the tape, we were embarrassed, disappointed."
Bob Gorsky, Powell's attorney, said his client felt it was "time to move on." He said Powell had no immediate employment plans but hopes to return to law enforcement.
"He wanted to keep his job very much, but he considered the toll this story was taking on his family and himself," Gorsky said.
Dave
By JAMIE STENGLE
Associated Press Writer
AP Photo
AP Photo
Watch Related Video
Officer Sorry He Delayed NFL Player at Hospital
Advertisement
Buy AP Photo Reprints
Your Questions Answered
Ask AP: Pitched baseball speeds, grocery prices
DALLAS (AP) -- The police officer who pulled out his gun and threatened an NFL player with jail instead of allowing him inside a hospital where his mother-in-law was dying resigned Wednesday. Officer Robert Powell had been placed on leave for the March 18 incident when he stopped Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats' SUV outside Baylor Regional Medical Center in suburban Plano after the vehicle rolled through a red light. Moats' wife, Tamishia, and other relatives were also in the car.
"I made this decision in the hope that my resignation will allow the Dallas Police Department, my fellow officers and the citizens of Dallas to better reflect on this experience, learn from the mistakes made, and move forward," Powell said in a statement issued through his attorneys.
During the incident, caught on the officer's dashboard camera, Moats pleaded for several minutes to be allowed inside the hospital for the final moments of 45-year-old Jonetta Collinsworth's life. She died from cancer before Moats got there, while Powell wrote the player a ticket and lectured him.
"I can screw you over," Powell, 25, can be heard saying on the video. "I'd rather not do that. Your attitude will dictate everything that happens." As they argued, the officer got irritated. "Shut your mouth," Powell said. "You can either settle down and cooperate or I can just take you to jail for running a red light."
Powell later issued an apology. Moats' agent, Jordan Woy, said the couple has accepted the apology and will meet with Powell because he wanted to apologize in person. Woy said in an e-mail Wednesday that they'll meet so "the matter can be finalized and everyone can have closure to this situation."
Powell said he wants the meeting "to personally express my deep regret, sympathy, and to apologize for my poor judgment and unprofessional conduct." He also said he wants to apologize to his fellow officers.
A call to Dallas police was not immediately returned Wednesday.
In the video, Tamishia Moats and another woman disregarded Powell's order to get back inside their vehicle, and they rushed into the hospital. Powell yelled at Tamishia Moats to stay in the SUV.
"Excuse me, my mom is dying," Tamishia Moats said before going into the hospital. "Do you understand?"
She was by the side of her mother when Collinsworth died a short time later.
Moats explained that he had waited until there was no traffic before continuing through the red light. When Powell asked for proof of insurance, Moats grew more agitated and told the officer to go find it.
Police said the ticket issued to Moats was dismissed. Police Chief Kunkle has apologized to the family over the incident, saying, "When we at the command staff reviewed the tape, we were embarrassed, disappointed."
Bob Gorsky, Powell's attorney, said his client felt it was "time to move on." He said Powell had no immediate employment plans but hopes to return to law enforcement.
"He wanted to keep his job very much, but he considered the toll this story was taking on his family and himself," Gorsky said.
Dave
02SilverStroke
Full Access Member
Another thing to consider is this: The guy went several blocks with the police lights and siren blaring behind him. Yes he was in a hurry to get to the hospital, but why wasn't he there sooner. They knew she was terminal and could go at any time. Maybe they had gone home to get some rest or change clothes, etc. Plus, when he did stop at the hospital, he and the other family members got out of the car. The cop drew his weapon because he didn't know what was going to happen next - he'd just chased a car several blocks, that races into a hospital parking lot and everyone gets out. That part was his instinct and training as a police officer. Maybe he was ticked about the situation and thought his life was in danger. Bottom line is that the general public will probably never know the complete truth in this situation. The policeman has resigned and apologized for his actions, and the Moats family has accepted the apology and has stated they'd like to meet with him.
CHPMustang
Senior Member
My gut feeling is a lawsuit will be coming out of this possibly,just a gut feeling 
