CMPD Camera Tells All

[OnCrime]

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

[native]

Its a real shocker the news didn't tell the whole story.

If I only knew how long it look for the man to get out of his car and the crap he pulled with police.

[copper911]

This guy was apparently intoxicated and in no condition to drive anywhere. These officers were clearly doing their job, with alot of restraint I might add, considering every opportunity that was given to Mr. Ward to comply with the officers commands. Even after being taken out of the car, the striking being done to by the officers are mearly nerve strike to the leg muscles typically used in ground fighting to make a suspect comply. These nerve strikes to the legs are taught to police officers during arrest proceedures at police academys across the nation. It's clear that the suspect was impaired (by something) and not cooperating with police, even after being tazed several times. I think these officers showed ALOT of restraint considering the circumstances.

[rain]

they sure did show some restraint. that stupid guy was so messed up on his crack and 40's. it was irritating to watch how long they tried to coax him out of the car. they should have tasered him after three times asking him to exit the car but they asked like 50 times. i cant believe this guy has the nerve to sue. keep me posted on what happens.

[SKNL2]

Sad that officers have to beg people to do anything anymore.

[Jim]

SKNL2 said; Sad that officers have to beg people to do anything anymore.


Very true!

We now live in a politically correct world ( in the old Superman comics
it was called bizarro world).

It seems the protection of a criminals 'civil rights' supercedes common sense.