Post by OnCrime on Nov 16, 2006 18:48:27 GMT -5
In Car Video Camera Captures Traffic Stop, Arrest
WCNC recently ran a two-part story that focused on a lawsuit filed against the City and three Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers. It stems from an incident in which police responded to a 911 report of a suspicious vehicle.
Mr. London Ward was arrested on October 24, 2004 for Driving While Impaired, Driving While License Revoked and Resisting a Public Officer. Mr. Ward hired an attorney and on November 22, 2005, Mr. Ward's defense counsel moved for a dismissal of all charges, arguing that CMPD's stop of Mr. Ward was unlawful and that the officer lacked a "reasonable, articulable suspicion that Ward was engaged in criminal activity."
The Court, however, did not have the benefit of reviewing the videos - one of which clearly depicts the reason for the stop. From the video it is apparent the Mr. Ward was driving in such an erratic manner that it would have been irresponsible for the officers to let him leave until they could dispel their suspicions. Mr. Ward filed the civil lawsuit around July 1, 2006.
The in-car cameras from two patrol vehicles captured most of the activity—one recorded the video but not audio and the other recorded video but was not in a position to capture most of the scene. This video synched up the audio and video for ease of viewing. WCNC did not show the entire tape nor was it shown as the events unfolded.
Watch Video Online: charlottenc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=17"
Watch Video in Media Player: tinyurl.com/y3rhtr
WCNC recently ran a two-part story that focused on a lawsuit filed against the City and three Charlotte-Mecklenburg police officers. It stems from an incident in which police responded to a 911 report of a suspicious vehicle.
Mr. London Ward was arrested on October 24, 2004 for Driving While Impaired, Driving While License Revoked and Resisting a Public Officer. Mr. Ward hired an attorney and on November 22, 2005, Mr. Ward's defense counsel moved for a dismissal of all charges, arguing that CMPD's stop of Mr. Ward was unlawful and that the officer lacked a "reasonable, articulable suspicion that Ward was engaged in criminal activity."
The Court, however, did not have the benefit of reviewing the videos - one of which clearly depicts the reason for the stop. From the video it is apparent the Mr. Ward was driving in such an erratic manner that it would have been irresponsible for the officers to let him leave until they could dispel their suspicions. Mr. Ward filed the civil lawsuit around July 1, 2006.
The in-car cameras from two patrol vehicles captured most of the activity—one recorded the video but not audio and the other recorded video but was not in a position to capture most of the scene. This video synched up the audio and video for ease of viewing. WCNC did not show the entire tape nor was it shown as the events unfolded.
Watch Video Online: charlottenc.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?publish_id=17"
Watch Video in Media Player: tinyurl.com/y3rhtr
