TX Cop Pulls Over Motorcyclist in Order to Confiscate His Helmet Cam — Arrests Him When He Objects
- Posted on June 25, 2012 at 7:44am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
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Once in a while if you’re driving down the road, you might see a motorcyclist wearing a small camera on his helmet. It’s not too common, but it’s not out of the ordinary. And being a rider myself, the practice seems to be an increasing suggestion on message boards. But if you’re a rider in Dallas, TX, you might want to rethink the idea. At least if you’re in the area of Dallas Deputy Sheriff James Westbrook.
Over Memorial Day weekend, Westbrook pulled over rider Chris Moore, who was with a large group of about 50-100 riders. Why? Not for speeding, or failing to yield. Instead, Westbrook noticed Moore was wearing a helmet cam, and he wanted to see what was on it. Naturally, Moore’s camera was rolling, and he picked up the exchange:
MOORE: “Was I doing something wrong? What am I being pulled over for?”
WESTBROOK: “The whole group of you guys.”
MOORE: “No. I was not, individually. How can you pull me over?”
WESTBROOK: “The reason you‘re being pulled over is because I’m gonna take your camera and we’re gonna use it as evidence of the crimes that have been committed by other bikers.”
MOORE: “I have not committed any crimes, and you cannot take my personal property from me, sir.”
WESTBROOK: “That’s fine. Need to see your license and registration.”
Eventually Westbrook returns, and when he does he has a reason:
WESTBROOK: “You’re under arrest for your license plate being obstructed. Place your hands.”
MOORE: “Are you kidding me, dude?”
WESTBROOK: “Place your hands behind your back.”
Westbrook eventually tells Moore to “shut up” and seems to slam him on the hood of the squad car. Moore continues to utter responses in disbelief, and Westbrook goes on to try and remove the helmet cam, which leads to a small altercation. A frustrated Westbrook eventually shoves Moore in the car and slams the door.
After the incident Moore spent eight hours in jail and, as promised from the beginning, the video from his camera was turned over to the gang unit as evidence (it’s unclear how, then, Moore is able to release his own version of the footage).
And here is that video (Moore is pulled over at around 2:45 and arrested at about 6:30):
But the story doesn’t end there. Local station WFAA-TV caught wind of the story and aired it. Now the sheriff’s department has launched an internal investigation over the matter. The department, however, has said that officers that day were being taunted by large groups of riders, and has released video of that (riders also shut down the freeway last year with their antics). WFAA explains:
In response to this case, the sheriff’s office also released a dash cam video showing how stunt bikers taunted and antagonized officers by slamming on their brakes and blocking the squad car’s path.
Then, when a truck traveling with the pack of bikes gets pulled over by officers, a female passenger is seen handing something off to a rider. Moments later, that same woman hops on the back of a different bike and rides away, all while other bikers drive the wrong way on Stemmons Freeway.
[...]
Though none of that happened to Deputy Westbrook, Shook said the deputy likely felt that afternoon‘s frustration when he pulled over Moore in order to seize Moore’s helmet camera.
“Well, I think in this particular case, you did need a warrant to get that piece of evidence,” Toby Shook, a former Dallas prosecutor, told the station.
He added later, “The Constitution wins out over frustration every time.”
Ironically, the department says no dash cam video exists from Westbrook’s squad car.
(H/T: Jalopnik)
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Comments (597)
NealPatrick
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:28amThe key here is “Deputy…” In Houston and Dallas, the worse form of “law enforcement” personnel are the Sheriff and Constables. They are the bubbas with a gun and badge. In this case, it doesn’t matter what the rider is thought to be involved with, there was no legal reason for him to be stopped nor his camera to be confiscated, which is why the “deputy” invented “obscured license plate.” He should lose his job but won’t as they never do in Texas.
Report Post »muddpuddle
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:17amThe cops may not have been right, but somebody needs to put these idiot bikers in thier place…. If what the report says is correct, they were acting just like the flash mobs….
GhostOfJefferson
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:00amThe 99% of bad cops give the 1% of good cops a bad name. :)
Report Post »black9897
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:07amRemember this for everyone’s safety. Nod and move along.
Report Post »muddpuddle
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:17am@wolf…. You’ve never seen a group of people, bikers or not, misbehaving, acting as if they can’t be touched, taunting good people and good police officers? You need to get out more often. This is all part of the same spirit of disrespect and rebellion that the kids on the bus displayed towards that little old lady.
Report Post »I agree however, and I’d be pissed at the cops too.
GrumpyCat
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:17amI didn‘t view the video and don’t know if the motorcyclist’s licensee plate is ever shown. But in defense of the Deputy an obscured license plate violation is not unrealistic on that type of bike.
It is very popular among some sportbikers to move the license plate under the fender, as part of the liner of the fender. It is obscured and not illuminated. And usually rotated 90 degrees.
As to being a ride-to-jail charge? No.
Report Post »Machtyn
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:23am@GHOSTOFJEFFERSON I’d say 100% of the bad cops put 100% of the good cops to shame. (But I get what you are saying.)
Certainly, there is a bully mentality within the law enforcement ranks throughout the US. It is an attitude that should change, but with the lies and crap they have to deal with daily, I can understand why they are so jaded.
Report Post »Independent4233
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:27amThe US is at the beginning of a financial meltdown which will eventually erupt into civil chaos on a grand scale.
It isn’t just the crazies in the OWS who will be running amuck. The coming conflagration will include everybody, but those safely hiding behind their millions and billions. They will be afraid of venturing too far from their gated communities.
And, as the situation becomes more contentitious, the first response by the police will be to over-react at the escalating violence. Incidents like this one will be so minor as to be ignored. However, the situation will become so overwhelming and critical the police will gradually break along lines of race, politics and ethnicity in order to seek safety into the protective defenses of their respective groups. They will be replaced by armed gangs, and especially powerful militias, that will be the final word in the areas they control.
Sorry if that scares anyone, but that‘s EXACTLY where we’re headed.
Report Post »TH30PH1LUS
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:34amConstitution trumps personal frustration every time. Period.
Report Post »Mr. Oshawott
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:36amIt is SO DISHEARTENING that this police officer thinks that exercising his indefensible arrest on this innocent biker and making an unwarranted confiscation of his helmet camera is more important than abiding by the Fourth Amendment of the Constitution! I hope the unjustifiably-arrested biker decides to file a lawsuit against him.
Report Post »white_ostracism
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:36amMothers tell you babies that the police are not our friends. This motorist is lucky the cops did shoot him as they so often do when you dare to tell them they need a warrant. They told that motorist he was under arrest but never gave him his Maranda reading. Police officers should be required to be licensed by the the Federal Government so that when they do something like this their license can be revoked and they can never be a Cop again.
Report Post »Roberto G. Vasquez
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:02am@ NEALPATRICK
The bikers were committing dangerous traffic violations and harassing the police. When you do that you can expect to be arrested, for stupidity if for nothing else. The cop‘s problem is he didn’t know how to confiscate the cam legally. There is an easy way, and he just didn’t do it right. I’m and ex-cop and a long time biker with two Harleys and can see both sides.
Report Post »Shifty6
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:06amFirst of all, if a pack of those jack wads ever ride around me in the same lane, I think they might find a hand reach over and grab the front brake as they go by. I detest jerks like that. They think they own the road and the cars are there as spectators for their show. In the first video where the riders were “taunting”, it would have been a shame if the police would not have slowed in time, or their brakes malfunctioned. Those are the tools that create decibel laws, helmet laws, plate laws, all kinds of crap.
This is what happens when you have laws that the law abiders, abide by and the criminals don’t. The cops get frustrated with the system that lets the true dirtbag criminals go free. The cops crack down on the law abider, because he is a law abider, while the true criminal rides around and taunts the cop.
This is what will happen with the illiegal aliens and gun control. The cops will crack down on all us law abiders, because we will actual try to follow the laws.
Report Post »sykotikmommy
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:11am@Mudpuddle, The statement that was included in this article only states the reasons the law enforcement were on heightened alert and they are just excuses for them to abuse their power on that day when they should have been going after those breaking the law. I just don’t get how people always resort to saying this and that about bikers. The law enforcement should be more concerned also with finding those who cause bikers to wreck because of not paying attention or caring. My husband would have lost his life if it hadn’t been for the helmet because someone cut him off and kept on going after he wrecked into a wall. There just is no excuse for that deputies actions or others actions when they are careless in regard to those not breaking the law, and sure as hell have no excuse for holding them responsible or anywhere near it for others actions.
Report Post »Ballot_Box_Revolution
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:30amWTF?!?! as being a bike rider myself, to see this angers me. I have had groups of bikes pass me, that does not make me a part of the group, just because I was within the group as they passed. And even if he was part of the group, he was the one abiding by the street laws according to the video seen….
I am not a COP hater, i believe that they are needed. But I think this displays the problems with having too many laws, coupled with bad officers….(did you see the second cop smiling when he came on the scene?)
We have so many laws that if they want you or your property they can find a law you are breaking to get just that. There is no common sense in law enforcement…It’s all interpretive which works in their favor.
VRW Conspirator
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:41amhaving known dozens of police officers of all levels..local to Federal…this cop is just a jerk that was pissed off that some group of bikers (not even the group this man was with) taunted him and what flipped him the bird while driving past him…or blocked his squad car? then pull them over for “impeding the flow of traffic”.
Report Post »this cop should lose his job or at least be suspended without pay and made to retake the academy class about the LAW and Constitution and maranda rights and probable cause…he should also be made to PUBLICALLY apologize to the man and beg for forgiveness for being a JACKASS!
i see large groups of bikers…maybe once or twice a year…like on the 4th of July or Xmas..doing charity rides and the such…i have NEVER seen a large group of sport bikes on ANY freeway ever doing tricks and riding against the flow of traffic…I know that if they did that in front of my SUV…they would be roadkill…
with all the trucks and SUVs in TX…you would have to be an absolute IDIOT to do this…and then the cops should just be allowed to give them a “love tap” and “bump draft” them…like NASCAR drivers
Mapache
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:05pmIt is important to distinguish this ‘deputy’ from the Dallas Police Department which is professional….the constables and et al not so much.
Report Post »RJL
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:12pmWho rides around with a camera on their head? What morons drive in the wrong direction on an interstate? This bunch of white crackers gives us bikers a bad name.
Throw the thugs in jail with the maggot from penn state.
We as citizens are getting to a point where the only solution is a dictator. Just like in the middle east.
aragona
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:15pmI don’t care what the motorcyclists did or did not do. We have a 4th Amendment right against unlawful search and seizure. What in the world does a helmut camera and an obstructed license plate have to do with each other? Nothing. In other words, no probably cause to seize the camera if the law being broken was an obstructed license plate.
They call that fruit from the poisonous tree for a reason.
Unbelievable. What is our country coming to!
Report Post »red_white_blue2
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:18pmIf it were me, I would be playing all nice in jail, and when I finally get out..the last person I encounter that is of authority before I leave would be told that the Dept, and that Deputy will be in a court of law that I drag them into, after my attorney serves them all with papers….Have a Nice Day Officer!!!
Report Post »West Coast Patriot
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:26pmThis kind of thuggery will continue and get worse because America is still asleep. Our Constitutional rights have been ripped to shreds and they will continue to be shredded as Americans continue to vote for candidates that do not care about the constitution, but only care about what they perceive about the Constitution. Romney, believes in the NDAA, Patriot Act, Gun control, etc….
You have no right to complain about the actions of this officer, if you have no problem with voting in a POTUS that does not take his oath to protect and defend the Constitution (all the constitution) seriously. Obama and Romney both take light of the Constitution.
We will continue to see Americans arrested for all sorts of made up crimes. That is what they see that the Americans want as they keep electing in anti-American candidates. You will reap what you sow.
Report Post »Dr Vel
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:26pm“Ironically, the department says no dash cam video exists from Westbrook’s squad car.”
“there was no legal reason for him to be stopped nor his camera to be confiscated, which is why the “deputy” invented “obscured license plate.” He should lose his job but won’t as they never do in Texas”
I always have to laugh when I hear people bragging about their great patriotic state of Texas. As if somehow it is the last great bastion of the constitution. My time living there convinced me I would rather live in Hitlers Germany than that corrupt police state. Law enforcement across the state make the SS look like a bunch of girl scouts. The Constitution has never existed in that state. Glenn Beck thinks it’s wonderful but He is rich and famous and they know it. Try living there poor as I was in the Carter years, the worst poverty of my life. He would see a very different place. Oh great, Obama is working hard to make us all as poor as times were during Carter all over. Glad I will never go through Texas again in all the states I lived in I never saw such a corrupt gestapo run place as that.
Report Post »ChiefGeorge
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:35pmFor now this is what a soft tyranny looks like! Our very own finest FEEL they are above the highest law of the land…the US Constitution and invent ways to get what they want…an arrest! Forget about your rights when your out on the road..not really but you know what I mean because its law enforcement who believe they own the roads and are the protectors of everything but they often begin to view ordinary Americans as the enemy and thus go rouge when carrying out their duties because they can under so many terrorist concerns that they make up or trivial ones like the plate or tire tread being to low.
Report Post »routnom23
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:41pmMudpuppy, re-read the story. None of the stuff the reported had anything to do with what happened on that day. Nobody was doing anything to be stopped for. If a helmet camera is not illegal, the cops have NO right to confiscate it. He was not committing any crime. They had no reason to pull him over in the first place. This is clear violation of the 4th amendment.
Report Post »DoubleThrowDown
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:52pmAnyone who has had any dealings with any govt official in Dallas county can tell you that the corruption starts at the top and works it way down the ladder. Look it up for yourself, the city council is one of the most corrupt in the US. The Dallas system needs to be purged from the judges to the Da to the cops. Nothing is going to happen to this cop cause he’s just following orders from his corrupt boss
Report Post »ProbIemSoIver
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:56pmFirst Thing I notice is the proximity to the Federal Reserve Private Bank.
People are threatened with Arrest often for filming around there.
Here is breaking News regarding the Federal Reserve and their owners, the Global Banksters:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CF8wfUJ6sj8
Now, as a student of law.
Unless there is a specific statutory law that says wearing a helmet cam or filming in public in unlawful, his rights have been violated, and he has standing for a lawsuit.
Using the guise of “blocked license plate” will not stand up in court now that there is evidence that the first remark regarding the stop was; “The reason you‘re being pulled over is because I’m gonna take your camera and we’re gonna use it as evidence of the crimes that have been committed by other bikers.”
This officer had no evidence that his Private Property had footage of a crime or crimes.
The officer stating that he was pulled over to seize the Camera will have this case thrown out.
Being able to film our public servants is as important as our 1st, 2nd and 4th Amendment Rights.
Report Post »manandwolf
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:03pmevery time i drive through texas i get pulled over for driving in the left hand lane, both times just after passing a slow moving semi, and then am bullied with questions about why im in texas, where am i going who am i seeing what will i do when i get there, all of which have nothing to do with the infraction, which was a warning ticket each time, and none of their business.
Report Post »commonsensefreethinker1
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:06pmYea, This cop and his **** looking boyfriend back-up partner need a good ass whooping. The cops dash cam doesn’t exist? That’s a new one , What a joke , how convenient. I wouldn’t have been so calm but I guess that is what they expected for him to get out of hand or take em on a high speed chase. What jackasses eeeeeawwwwww!!
Report Post »socialism.rocks
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:26pmit happens in red-states all day long i will not travel to any of them… and i have family in all of them
us blue-staters have learned to travel either by plane or staying in our own neck of the woods
they will pull you over with any out of state liencense and give you tickets harass you
it is really like the old days again with local cops just wanting money-
but thats conservative states for you and conservative cops
conservatism the enemy of the usa since 1610
Report Post »resme
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:44pmJust another day in the neighborhood, For your local drunk on power cops.
Report Post »paulm39083
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:50pmCOPS .. the worse trained professionals in America.. and their bosses are even worse than that . this used to be a free country… and this dude was not doing anything wrong.. the cop needs to be retired and the other cop, the one with the **** eating grin. needs to be talked to severly……
Report Post »Endstatism
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:51pmThe deputy can be sued individually for violation of this man`s civil and constitutional rights. I dont know how Texas ethics laws are written, but I would think this deputy sheriff would have to pay for his own attorney. That would send a strong message to bad apples in law enforcement, having to pay for his own attorney and to pay for a judgement. I think behavior like this is committed by just a few.
Report Post »RJL
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:06pmWhen somebody starts with “hey man I didn’t do nuttin wrong“ and ”I ain’t witt dem”. I think the POLICE OFFICER should be given a medal for not punching the maggots lights out.
That was a total set up by these lower than whale @#$% of so called human beings.
I would have taken head and all off if I had to remove the maggots camera.
Hats off to our POLICE FORCE in dealing with these maggots. The POLICE have better things to do than this foolishness.
Report Post »resme
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:07pm@westcoast, Have you seen this?
http://www.zerohedge.com/news/guest-post-military-rolls-tanks-st-louis-streetsbut-why
Report Post »eric6161
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:21pmHouston is quite a bit different than Dallas. I‘ll give you that the Houston Constables are ridiculous and don’t deserve the respect that regular cops do. They are the ones that serve warrants but take it upon themselves to be real cops by sitting on the freeways giving tickets when that is not their purview. Dallas cops have been out of control for decades. Most of them, when I was a kid in the ’60s, would carry drugs in case they had to frame someone that they felt was a danger to society and throw down guns were pretty popular in case someone needed killin’ which hippies, blacks, and Hispanic people needed quite often.
Report Post »Mythghtsrmyown
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:28pm@muddpuddle — As is evidenced by this bikers footage, he was NOT part of that pack of bikers. There is ample footage showing him letting all the bikers go around him and then him riding by himself for a while with no other bikers around. He is also seen waving to a passing cop. This kid did NOTHING wrong. He just was in the wrong place at the wrong time and this arrogant ***** of a cop violated his rights.
Report Post »KenWAnderson
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:35pmYou’re right … and it’s patently obvious that the motorbike driver that was pulled over was in fact a careful, law-abiding, driver. Crooked cop needs to be released from his job, like any other criminal.
Report Post »DARKHUNTER64
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:40pmYou, obviously, are not very familiar with the city police in either area or your criticism would be alittle more encompassing. Being a resident of both areas , in the past, I can assure you that abuses have nothing to do with departments…it’s the training they all are receiving as a result of a growing sense of governmental power and a lack of citizen retribution for such abuses. I support our law enforcement officers and respect the dangerous work they face that many of us never see. However, the fraternity protects each other for that same reason and their reputation in the public eye is considered to important to air the dirty laundry in public. The local citizenry bears a great deal of responsibility also by allowing their officials to over-look abuses in EVERY government capacity. As is often the case , we find it easier to ignore the problem unless it involves us ( paying an unjust fine because it’s easier than fighting it in court – not calling in a complaint because we fear some sort of retribution – etc,etc ).When we fail to act we embolden our adversaries and empower our ‘self-proclaimed ‘ keepers. A person wearing a badge is no better or worse than any other; they are just people. Training doesn’t make a good cop,( anyone can be trained ). It’s good character and honor that are crucial when placing men in positions of authority. As we have seen over time,and most especially, recently we see that GIMMES rule the roost and that leads to abuse…. JUST MY OPI
Report Post »RJL
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:40pmI’m sick to my stomach reading the 95% following that these maggots have. Is the entire USA this stupid and hateful of authority? Or is it the narrow minded Blaze readers. I hope it is the latter because there is not enough of you to ready give a rip. RIP.
Report Post »rc30
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:46pmI moved to Texas to get away from cops like this. Was the bikers breaking the law yes. Was there any proof this guy was with them no. I know allot of people feel for the cops in this matter. But They need to be put in check and stop acting like the SS of WWII. I drive a fast mustang I sold my bike. I have a perfect driving record. I get pulled over all the time because of the car I drive. When I had my bike same thing. They have no right to bug us because what I or anyones drives. Am sick of this crap and I see no end to the cops over steping the law. They have wrote me 3 tickets none for traffic. I have beat everyone and ask why I was written the ticket in the frist place. The judge told me maybe I should sell my car and I wouldn’t get pulled over so much. Now the judge him self said the ticket was BS. All 3 tickets was for my rear tires. They are DOT apoved and are a legel tire to use. It passed inspection 2 times with same tires. Now every time I get pulled over its for my tires. Never because I broke any laws like speeding. Just because I drive a hot rod.
Report Post »delintz
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:50pmI don’t see or hear him being read his rights at any time. He was violently shoved into the police car then it appears the door won’t shut the first time. I wonder if heslammed it against the biker? Too much anger. I hope he calms down before punishing his kids………..
Report Post »Wigglypoff
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 3:07pmBallet box.this does not show the problem with too many laws(the laws will in this case protect the biker I the end and ream the officer). The officer is clearly in violation of the law and the second officer looks foolish with his stupid smirk. I am glad I’ve never been involved in something like this if I had worn that dumb smile I would be ashamed. To the ex police officer your comment displays the real problem. There are legal ways around the fourth amendment; that’s complete crap and also abuse of power. Any arrest you’d make by going around the fourth amendment would be tossed out by any decent counselor. Any evidence gained by your illegal action would be tossed out as part of the tainted tree of evidence. You may be the worst kind of law enforcement officer because you are smart enough to get around the laws. I’d rather have westgatewho is to stupid to be smart.
Report Post »PATTY HENRY
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 3:15pmWhy does it matter if they have a camera on their helmet or not?
Report Post »ProbIemSoIver
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 3:17pmWestBrook “The reason you‘re being pulled over is because I’m gonna take your camera and we’re gonna use it as evidence”
Biker: “Evidence of what?”
Westbrook: “Evidence of the Crimes I have just commited on you”.
Biker: “You could have remained Silent, and went on about your way”.
Westbrook: “No. I am an ignorant roid head with a little pee pee, and my wife just left me for a woman”.
“I decided to stop you to collect evidence to ruin my career and cost the Corporation of Austin a Ton money. Those millions are going to be awarded to you and your lawyer”.
“That’s what you get when you mess with me”.
Westbrook: “Wait… I am sooo dumb. I just lost my job AND got you Millions. No wonder my wife left me”.
Biker: “Yeah, You are a pathetic loser.”
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 3:19pmThe license plate can be seen at 3:55.
Report Post »Wigglypoff
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 3:20pmRoberto vasquez. I didn’t see anything they did as illegal and no one indicated that this particular group was involved in anything illegal.dont arrest a guy because someone else on a bike did something illegal. Lets arrestall guys in white suburbans and pickups because somet other guy is breaking law while fleeing I. One or breaking traffic laws in one. This just emboldens criminals not detours them. This is why we have a crime problem because of stupidly thought out crime prevention tactics. Which are more like retaliation than justice. It’s supposed to correctandshow guys another way. This system of punishment may detour somet rom breaking the law but if we would show them a better way and correct their behavior and get rid of the individual’s which are not salvageable than crime would actually go down as indicated by several studies.
Report Post »ProbIemSoIver
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 3:27pm*correction
Report Post »“Corporation of Dallas a ton of Federal Reserve PRIVATE BANK notes”
Ragnars Repos
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 3:39pmBehold the tip of the big government spear.
There are no rights without property rights.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 3:41pmThe license plate can be seen at 3:55, 6:41 showing the angle it was at and the best shots are at 7:31 and 7:33 showing the numbers.
Report Post »Kalish
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 4:52pmTo all of you that are against the biker, number one he was not the rider that was messing with the police, the cop should have dealt with that person at the t ime (see the camera from the police car)
And alot of you are just pissed off because bikes are alot faster, and they can legally get in front of you
Report Post »(lane splitting). why dont these cops go get some real gang bangers ? you know the ones that are doing drive bys with ak 47′s and have no regard for anyones life
Dismayed Veteran
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 4:54pmIf Texas is such a great state, why does law enforcement suck?
Report Post »Maji
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 5:01pmSo by this standard:
Cops that shoot people without a just cause (say a yr ago in this case)
would cause other cops that haven’t done anything crimminal to be fired????
Better yet confiscate private property for a non-crime till we can fabricate
Report Post »an infraction!
ScottR63
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 5:02pmThank god you are all right after that Nazi bastard’s unwarranted attack. I’m a rider, and have NEVER seen anything like that in all years of enjoying the sport. This P.O.S. jackass cop gives ALL cops a bad rep. I’m guessing EVERYONE who has taken the time to watch this from start to finish saw the ABSOLUTE RAGE in this idiot cops eyes? And then the little peewee back up starts running it’s mouth, telling this guy to shut up. WTH???? I hope these two SO CALLED policemen lose their jobs and have their asses sued off. And to the guy this happened to…..give em a finger from me too………….God that really ****** me off!
Report Post »Anadara
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 5:07pmThe bad news bikers that day may have been a bunch of hoodlums and scofflaws, but that still doesn‘t trump an individual’s Constitutional rights against unreasonable search and seizure. The individuals commiting those alleged offenses must be held thoroughly accountable.
Report Post »muffythetuffy
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 5:08pmThe cyclist had been followed by THE WHITE PICKUP TRUCK for miles. Why? This was some kind of set up because several other police cars had passed by this cyclist. What videos did that white pickup truck take?
None of us are safe anymore. Many police are on anabolic steroids that cause them to have mental processing problems. When they stop someone their blood pressure goes ballistic, they begin to yell and reach for their gun.
That cyclist is very lucky he was not shot or TASED.
Report Post »Smoovious
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 6:03pmWow… just imagine how this could have turned out if the cop had behaved differently… like…
explaining to the biker what had been going on with the group of bikers, and, _ASKING_ if they could have a copy of his helmet-cam footage?
who knows, they might have actually been able to get a copy of it, consensually, with no chain-of-custody issue, and a willing witness!
but no… the cop came right out of the gate saying he was going to take it, immediately putting the stop on a confrontational footing with the biker defending his rights.
There are ways to start a stop, and this wasn’t it. If the biker balked, and ended up being a jerk over the whole thing? Then they could have turned it into an arrest and confiscation.
As it is, the tone in which they started with, pretty much made a cooperative situation impossible.
– Smoov
Report Post »donbrending
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 7:04pmThat ass should be fired and then sent to hell. Welcome to Dallas Beck it’s your kind of town.
Report Post »Michael
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 7:28pmAs a former member of the armed forces and firefighter, I personally think the police have become a group of out of control Nazis. Even in small towns they get this above the law mentality. There are reports of local cops demanding sex at night from women driving home drunk to avoid tickets. One officer was even caught, yet there was no news report. Only thing they did was ask him to resign, and he went one town over and now works there. He was a sergeant on the department and had been there 20 years. How many women had this happened to? So as Americans we need to seriously look into our local police forces, and get them under control before they are turned loose on all of us by some authoritarian government.
Report Post »Ballot_Box_Revolution
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:33pm@RJL
I am not one for calling names, because it usually is just an empty word…..but you are an ignorant fool. I mean that with all the meaning of ignorant.
Here is what you ignore (which makes you ignorant):
If it is okay to harass this guy because he spoke a way you did not like, or rode a type of bike you did not like or whatever else you did not like…..How could you even complain about lets say a leftist (i’m assuming you are right and i dont mean that in a bad way….i lean that way as well) didn‘t like somone’s redneck draw, or your NRA stickers, or the church bumper sticker….they would have every right to harass you for whatever they disagree with about you….no room for you to complain if the tables were turned on you.
Anyways what i am getting at is…..you want a form of socialism as well (a society that fits YOUR mold)….it is wrong on both sides….Don’t get me wrong…Thugs bother me too when they open their mouths and speak in their thuggish ways….but there is no laws against speaking…this guy was not doing anything wrong….the other people were clearly doing things wrong…and only the individuals that were clearly breaking the law should be punished….not the entire group……
your words might come to bite you in the rear someday…. I sure hope not because they probably wouldn’t like me either….
Uranium Wedge
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:36pmThat poor cop couldn’t get his daily power rush off that biker.
Report Post »Cops hate it when you know your rights.
Thewayiseeit
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:50pmIt’s a damn shame…
that a few of our public defenders, would induce disrespect of their position. Eric Holder has done this to the DOJ, Now Deputy Sheriff James Westbrook has done so, albeit with good intentions, incorrectly none the less.
Credibility comes from honesty, This action did not promote a sense of honesty for Deputy Sheriff James Westbrook or his unit.
If you uphold the law, disrespectfully, You invite disrespect of the law.
Perhaps some timely retraining is in order to avoid further discredit & disrespect of those we charge to SERVE & PROTECT the common citizen?
Regardless of your “Position” a police officer in America is out numbered about 1,800 to 1.
Report Post »It is the citizen’s RESPECT of Law enforcement, that makes Law Enforcement effective!
ishka4me
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:41pmyou would have thought that after rodney king police would stop lying. only way to fix this problem is to sue the city and let them mandate change because they can’t afford it. of abuse of power lawsuits awards came out of police pension money, would be far less abuses
Report Post »From Virginia
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:34pm@Manandwolf – I’ve passed through Texas many times (even with a California license plate) and I have never been pulled over. I even stood in front of the Dallas football stadium to get my picture taken wearing a 49er jersey (while my cousin kept saying, “you’re gonna get shot!”) and no problem.
I always know I’m in Texas because they seem to mark their borders with dead steers. Still, never had any problems with the locals. Nice people. Never met a cop there.
Report Post »okalabama
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:44pmThis officer was in the wrong … period. Could he have followed legal means to obtain the tape… probably (a search warrant might be a good start). But those who are making comments like “the officer needs his legs broke”, you are no better then that officer.
Report Post »koldwindblows
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:57pmThis fat-faced cop needs his ass whipped. Talk about a police state!! This clown needs to be fired and then let him try and fight to get his job back. I sincerely hope this biker sues the hell out of this officer, the accompanying officer, and the Dallas Police Department.
Report Post »Reaganstillthebest
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:03pmNEALPATRICK, I hope your comments about the “Bubbas with guns” pertains just to that department, if not you have just proven the point that I often make about law enforcement. If it wasn’t for STUPID people, the police wouldn’t have jobs. Morons give them job security. That being said, this incident does not pass the sniff test. Granted, there are few drivers that are as idiotic or irritating as these inbred douche bag sport bike “gangs” who stunt ride on the street. I often have the urge to do a “break check” when they tailgate but find running my windshield washers for several seconds while they are behind me works wonders. The cops should have blocked off the street and had a ticket writing frenzy. This was not the right way to handle it.
Report Post »CorporalIV
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:43pmAs a law enforcement officer in Texas, I can tell you that obstructed license plate is a real traffic violation. Should he have been arrested for it? No, but someone could be arrested for it, and it is probable cause for a traffic stop. Can the officer take the helmet cam? Heck no! Seems to me the officer let his frustration get to him when trying to deal with all those reckless motorcycle riders. He should have kept his cool and thought it through. All the bikes driving the wrong way on the highway should have gone to jail for sure. It upsets me when something like this happens. It makes us all look bad, no matter what department we work for.
Report Post »AZCONSERVATIVE777
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:06amI am by no means anti-law enforcement but this is clearly a case of a rogue officer abusing his power. Does anyone remember the Ryan Moats/Dallas poiice officer Robert Powell incident? If enough of the citizens protest this blatant abuse of power, then Deputy Westbrook will have no other recourse than to fall on his own sword and disappear from public service…This office poses a threat to the citizens of the Dallas area…Let’s rise up and get rid of this *******!!
Report Post »SUMMARINE03
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:36amFat a-hole cops, typical jack booted behavior. When the time comes they will get overwhelmed and beat down one day. Everything comes full circle. They wonder why they get no respect, they show none. As a fellow rider this pig ****** me off
Report Post »Marine 1
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:18amWell, folks, welcome to the Police State of America!
That kid did nothing wrong and at most the deputy should have simply asked him to go home and relocate the plate IF that was a legitimate stop. It wasn’t and I think Deputy Dog is about to get a royal Brass Chewing from one of his supervisors or the judge when he goes to court.
By the way, never answer questions during a stop. Cops are trained to ask leading questions when they stop folks. For example, “Do you know how fast you were going back there?“ If you were driving slowly and said ”Yes” you are on the path of hanging yourself.
Report Post »Crazy-Horse
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:30amI‘ve got six 50’s and 2000 HP that says “I’ll clean up the streets”.
Report Post »ltb
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 1:48pmThis is why people call them “pigs.”
Report Post »RJL
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 2:01pm@REVOLUTION….I tried to re-but you’re stupid assumptions but the Blaze Gestapo blocked my remarks.
Report Post »isaiahdaniels56
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 8:30pmMuddpuddle, aren’t you a walking example of stupid ignorance? I agree that the “bikers” who pull this $h1t should be punished but that does NOT mean pull over the next motorcycle you see and violate his Constitutional rights. Did you mother have any kids that lived? Careful, think long and hard now. I’m not thinking about any brothers or sisters (although I pray that you are an only child).
Watch the entire video from the helmet cam and tell what laws he broke. Don’t fall for the fat PIG BULL$H1T either. If he were pulling him over for his license plate, he would have stated so at the beginning of the contact.
If this is alright with you I would suggest that you be arrested for operating your mouth while in no reasonable control of your senses.
I don’t hate all police, just ones like this lump of lard. A true “badge made man” if ever there were one. You and he are perfect poster children for citizen soldiers policing the police. Just think about it (if you are capable), I still respect your right to free speech but my right to believe that you are a last class idiot is protected under the same Constitution. Seriously, if you haven’t been able to find a life in all of the years you have lived. At least see if you could possibly find a CLUE!
Report Post »lovenfl3
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 10:01pmThis is getting so out of hand. I have always stuck up for the police until a few months ago where I did a lane change and had a motorcycle cop going about 90mph behind me and he pulled me over because he had to slow down. I experienced some serious road rage; the guy was out of his mind. There were 10 car lengths when I made the change.
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqgR_1XRbJU
Ragnars Repos
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 11:15pmUS Law Enforcement in 2012: The Liberty Removal Machine
Remember when freedom was important to Americans?
They just don’t seem to care much about it anymore.
They just go to work like sheep to pay their taxes/fees/surcharges, and assorted fines and penalties, so that thick-headed pols and their cop henchmen, and an increasingly corrupt, revenue-generating court system can make their lives even harder.
How much more will Americans stand for?
I think our enemies are eagerly waiting and watching for the answer to that question. If it doesn’t come quick, they won’t have much work to do, will they?
Where are you, freedom-loving Americans? You are losing your country.
Report Post »cous1933
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 11:23pmGhostofJefferson,
Report Post »The emoticon at the end of your 1% comment suggests that your numbers are at least a little tongue-in-cheek. As a fellow libertarian who is also a cop (with a son who is another libertarian cop), I want you to know that it’s not quite as bad as you think. I admit that there are too many cops who do these stupid things that go viral, but trust me when I tell you that there are also many cops who have no desire to bother anyone who isn’t hurting anyone else. When I’m at work I always try to confront those cops who are gun-grabbers and rights violators. Trust me no one dislikes bad cops more than good cops do. People see videos like this and conclude that all cops are bad. Of course that type of collectivist thinking is exactly what any good libertarian opposes.
Rpfoster
Posted on June 27, 2012 at 12:32amMuddouddle, read the article. This group of riders where doing nothing wrong. They were describing something that happened in 2011 with a different group. This is an abuse of power and must stop.
Report Post »DannaMay55
Posted on June 27, 2012 at 12:57pmCan you say, “civil rights violation”? No matter the level of frustration, the Constitution in the 4th Amendment protects us from “unreasonable” seizures of the person or property.
Report Post »M24
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:26amDallas Has always tried to Be like New York City, Austin Tries To Be like San Francisco . Texas Has Big Open Spaces ,Thats Where Real Texans Live. Away From City Rif Raf !
Report Post »txannie
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:02amYou said a mouthfull of truth.
Report Post »BlackCrow
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:47amAmen!!!!
Those big city jackasses are embarrassed about Texas by their Communist kin in New York and try to emulate them. Austin is horrible!!! but we have them surrounded and they are worried!
The Sheriff in my county is a member of MY motorcycle club. I’d like to see one of his deputies try that stunt when the boss was in the pack. THAT would be entertaining!
Report Post »RedDirtTexas
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:05amI can’t stand the cities anymore! I will venture to Arlington for a ball game but that’s about it. “Green acres is the place for me…..”
Report Post »Blazebanned
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:56am@M24.
Report Post »I live in Austin with the riff raff,was born and raised here and can not afford to move out. But since stuck here,i do have a CHL,and o DO carry,riff raff beware….and this warning includes crooked cops…..i dont tollerate dishonesty…
Rayblue
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:25pmHouston has followed me right out to the bay
Report Post »I’ll end up in Centerville if I go the other way.
It’s like a Kurt Russel film, “Escape from there and here”
Cities all expanding, drawing ever near.
ashestoashes
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 5:54pm@GODSGIRL and BLAZERUNNER You are welcome Thank you.
Report Post »rc30
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:02pmSocialism.Rocks I moved to Texas from Michigan in 09. I rather be pulled over and missed with down here. Up there the cops don’t care about your rights at all. Any one who don’t think this stuff happens. Has not had to deal with it. Go rent a old camaro or mustang. That looks like a beast. Drive around at night after 10pm. Then get pulled over and tell me what you think then. Am 41 not some kid out breaking the law street racing. Last time I was at sonic and they had a car show. Cops waited accross the street for us to leave. The reason because some kids where street racing at the air park. So it was us old and middle age men racing are classic cars up there right. Some cops are good men and woman. But allot are on some power trip. I agree that the bikers needed to go too jail. But don’t pick on some one because they have a cam and may have not been with that crowd.
Report Post »mr.goodvibe
Posted on June 27, 2012 at 12:45amI just talked to a Harris County ( Houston ) officer tonight and he told me it is legal to video record anyone on public roads.
Report Post »Dirty Harry
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:21amCut the po po some slack, they are the pudgy clutzes that everyone picked on in school. Now that have the great equalizer, a badge and a gun, they will right the wrongs inflicted upon them at the pep rally.
Report Post »SocialistSlayer
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:31amI used to always side with the police but nowadays the US is starting to look like a police state! I no longer just support the Police – I side with the citizen and their rights. Freedom is something will all have to work for and just allowing the government to protect us just doesn’t work!
Report Post »ashestoashes
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:34amThat is why every Christian person and every freedom loving person needs to write the name “Ron Paul” on their ballots this November..even the founder and president of the christian “Apologetics” group has suggested that he will do ..In the Bush election..I discouraged others from write-in candidates..but like the man in this video…I will be one of many doing it this fall.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcnFtqYSHpU
Report Post »We need to rise up and show the RNC and the owned media that we won’t be led by them.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KcnFtqYSHpU
Iceland did it..we can too. http://www.freedumbnation.com/?p=2369
Godzgrl247
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:10amThank you to Ashes2ashes for your video links.
Report Post »Buck Bagaw
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:53amAshes to Asses, Why not just officially vote for Obama, because that’s what you will be actually doing.
Report Post »Bluebonnet
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:04amYeah, Ashes, you show ‘em. I understand what you’re saying, but I also know you and your ilk can write in mickey mouse or Ron Paul and you’re giving your vote to a marxist, who needs and wants you to do just what you plan to do, it gives him an extra boost in votes. Thanks for helping the rest of us go down the road to communism, cause, that‘s what we’ll get if you do it.
Report Post »theblazerunner
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:19pmthanks ashes,
Report Post »nice links.
LameLiberals
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:27pmYou forgot that police are also UNIONIZED and use their union thug leaders to strong arm politicians.
Report Post »Mythghtsrmyown
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:39pm@ashestoashes — Why so we can have for more years of Obummer?
Report Post »ashestoashes
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 5:56pmTo the rest…check out the Mormons “end of days prohesy and the ”white horse’ prophecy..It will blow your mind..That is what has been happening to everyone on this site.
Report Post »ashestoashes
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 6:41pm@BUCKAGAW Why don’t you just keep bending over there Buck..you must like it,.
Report Post »eyesopened
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:20amthat cop should be FIRED and possibly be in jail
Report Post »RJJinGadsden
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:40amI’m sure that his union will prevent that. But, it would pay the Sheriff dividends to clean out his department.
Report Post »I wish the biker had done a walk around of his bike while the deputy was back in his vehicle. I would like to have seen the ‘obstructed’ license plate. I did notice that the deputy had to remove his prisoner from the rear of his vehicle to double lock the cuffs. Then did so in a really clumsy manner. None of that should ever have happened. Not sure of Texas law, but the double locking of the cuffs is more likely a procedural SOP practice. The double lock stops the cuffs from continuing to close with any outer pressure to avoid hurting the prisoner. Also not certain what the prisoner would have done to himself even if they were double locked. Have seen too many prisoners actually grind their wrists into the cuffs to purposely injure themselves in hopes of sympathy or for lawsuits.
Regardless, something should be done about this deputy.
dimitrisokolov
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:54amAbsolutely. Fire them all. If they don’t know the law, then they shouldn’t be police officers to begin with.
Report Post »BikerMickAG
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:20amThis Officer Westbrook made a mistake here. I think a pretty serious one at that. If this biker is unwilling to settle this incident “out of court”, so to speak, or is of a mind to hire an attorney that will fight this action, I believe that Officer Westbrook, & possibly the entire Dallas police force will suffer repercussions from this now publicized incident. Many bikers & biker groups ride in support of local police, fire & emergency personnel. Those who don’t, give the rest of us a bad name, but still, treat bikers as individuals, not as though we’re all the same, because we’re not.
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:20amNot a mistake here the cop was drunk on the power he thinks his job gives him.
Report Post »oneshiner
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:54amThis Sheriff’s officer was high on his own euphoria and self importance. Perhaps they’ve had so many biker stunts, he was out to get anyone on a bike, unfortunately. He wasn’t using discretion and wanted to show he had all authority. Some of these cops are flexing their muscles all the time, some just get ‘fed up’ with lawbreakers.
Report Post »Apparently this biker wasn’t doing anything unlawful; the sheriff just couldn’t let it go without making a azz of himself to build up his self esteem (perhaps had a fight with his wife earlier.)
I’ve dated cops, volunteered for sheriff & police depts. and I see how these guys act. Some are nice most of the time, some are so full of themselves all the time. Just like the general public, some are nice some are intolerable. Bad cops need to go, there’s no room for them in an honest society. Go after the bad guy, leave others alone. Don’t make up charges.
Jase
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 3:14pmHEY BLAZE,
You have more aggressive pop-ups than a porn site. What’s the deal?
Report Post »macpappy
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 6:40pm@Jase
Report Post »Man, are you right there. This should show the blaze readers just how much respect Mercury and The Beck machine think of them. We are all just dimes for the machine.
Mr.Fitnah
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:19amDbag government vs dbag bikers hmmmm. Got to go with the Constitution and against the dbag government
Report Post »bigdaddyt46
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:18amthe cop made several *ahem* mistakes.
1) no probable cause for pilling him over in the first place.
2) never indicated said cause for pulling him over untill he comes back(my guess he came back clean so the cop had to make up something on the spot).
3) license plate obstruction in and of itself is a non- arrestable offense(the cop has to prove that is was manipulated to obstruct the proper plate itself ie changed the numbers with paint).
4) taking of private property without it being in or after the commission of a crime cannot be done.
any sane judge/ da will throw this out at the very least he should sue to regain money lost like the fine, paying to get his bike out of the impund lot ect. i am not sue happy in fact i think this has killed our Country however this is clear cut case of when i would say sue the pants off the cops involved.
Report Post »Zenvis
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:59amAnd I hope that they do. This was an insult to every cop who is honest with his dealings with his fellow man; upholding the law instead of using it to bully the citizens that it protects.
Report Post »schlepnier
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:01amabsolutely right bigdaddy
.no reasonable suspicion of a crime
.no warrent
.illegal detainment
.illegal arrest
Most likely the officer is guilty of a state misconduct charge and more importanly he is guilty of a federal civil rights violation under USC 24 1983 for violation of the 4th ammendmant under the terry VS ohio decision of the US supreme court.
This officer has no right, reason or responsibilty to carry a badge if he refuses to follow the law he is sworn to protect and uphold.
Report Post »hugecatfish
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:29amYep. Also makes you wonder if the cop was trying to cover up something that he had done. After all, “ironically, there was no video from the officers dash cam”. I believe bad cops are a very small percentage of law enforcement, but it looks like we found one of them.
Report Post »PASSIONFORCHRIST
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:54amHope this cop gets fired, for allowing the city to get sued for his unlawful actions!!!!!!!!!!!!
Report Post »Tickdog
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:18ami see a lot of helmet cams these days.. The cop should lose his job for this!
Report Post »Meyvn
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:18amThe cops were out of line and should be punished. However I will say, as a rider, that this group was riding like a bunch of crotch-rocket morons, switching positions constantly, not riding in proper alignment, etc. You generally don’t see groups of Harleys riding so erratically. If the cops would have exercised some patience they probably, at some point, could have made a proper arrest. This individual rider was riding more conservatively than he rest of the group and yet was the one arrested. I never did see any evidence of the plate being obstructed either, but even if it was, he should not have went to jail, or had his cam confiscated.
As it went down, the cops were wrong.
Report Post »Rolandoobies
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:24amWhen the biker unlocks his compartment to get his ID, you can see the plate is bent up at about a 45 degree angle.. It was probably still readable, and Barney should not have arrested him for that.
Report Post »Texas Chris
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:23am“Obstructed plate” assumes the state has the right to tax and register your vehicle in the first place.
Report Post »fscarlson
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:05pmI don’t get it. If he couldn’t read his license plate, that should have been the first thing he said. He was told what to say in order to secure that tape. The issue shouldn‘t have been about this rider’s camera, even if that’s what they ultimately wanted. And why, in the great State of Texas wasn’t the patrol car quipped with its own camera? The riders were weaving in and out in an unsafe way, but this is nothing short of bad policing. I bet the officer involved will be instructed on better ways he could have handled this unfortunate incident. It’s not right to pull over anyone who is not breaking the law. Standing up for your rights in this country is fast becoming a thing of the past. It’s an officers duty to inform you immediately upon pulling you over what preempted the stop.
Report Post »sinkje
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:14amBoy this cop should lose his job. This guy did nothing wrong. Just another example of a bad cop that thinks he can do what he wants just because he has a blue suit on. A good example of a bullie no worse than what was done to the old lady on the bus being tauented by bullie kids.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:22amDont worry, they are doing an internal investigation. the officer will be on paid leave for the next two months or so…. SICKENING!
Let’s let an outside agecy of CITIZENS who are fed up do the investigating and this slug does not get a dime of pay….Now that is justice! Stop the MILITARIZATION of the Police forces!
Report Post »noproblems
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:13ammy experience with Texas cops is the same. Arrogant and stupid. I have never been arrested and never have had a moving violation.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:11amThe war on drugs is great (sarcasm) That just gave police forces the opportunity to own the finest cars, armor, weapons and mlitary training our money can buy. Now they use it on any citizen for the least petty infraction…
The police in Texas are getting out of control. They are militarized, overbearing and are either harassing drivers like this guy or setting speed traps while the really bad actors are not touched unless they use a SWAT teams. Sickening. They treat citizens like criminals and antagonize them so they can use force on them. No real solid police left. They arent men, they are boys hiding behind their armor and toys…Now they are even getting drones!!! They work for us, they need to stop treating us like criminals!
Report Post »Fubared
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:42amBut the border is wide open, the drugs are more accessable, and deputy dog was acting on his personal frustration in the line of dooty. Upside down and bass ackwards all over again.
Report Post »Texas Chris
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:25amIn Texas, I respect the Texas Rangers and the top of the Sherif’s association. DPS, deputies, and city cops pretty much stink on ice. They’re the official highway robbery departments, and shold be treated as public enemy #1.
Report Post »pigsarei
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:11amThank you officer. These bikers were putting many peoples lives at risk that day and other days as well. As a father of three I am glad someone is taking some action against these bikers. People not from TX will not be aware of the stories of how sport bike riders blocking traffic on the northbound lanes of Central Expressway to perform stunts and paint graffiti and even once harassed the police chief while he was driving. While this may seems an attack on individual liberties, this man was part of this motorcycle group that was causing troubles.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:16amGot any proof of that? Really? You will love the Gestapo you fool! The man was not doing anything to be pulled over. Real police work is catching them in the act, not picking someone off because they are in a greoup doing something you dont like. I hope you get pulled over for some minor infraction and get treated like this. You wont like it so much.
Report Post »Red Bubba
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:20amBegging your pardon, but arresting someone for riding a motorcycle? How about also arresting officer snackbar for being fat?
Report Post »samsez22
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:24amWell, I hope all of us “Right Wing” loonies and extremist don’t mind having their homes searched with out a warrant because of the trouble we cause. Imagine this…A cop saw you at a Tea party rally (stirring up trouble against our dear leader) and decides to follow you and seize your phone and camera without a warrant, and then throws you in jail on a bogus charge when you object. The constitution is more important the nailing a group of idiots on motorcycles. Think about it.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:48amReally? Whose lives were those that they were putting at risk? Their own? This is just another example of way too many cops with orders to harass the citizens and extract fines anyway they can. They are not out catching drug dealers that poison our kids. No, they are out there to intimidate and scare the public into fearing the government. They don’t have the balls to tackle real crime unless they outnumber the poor saps at least 10-1 or have armored vehicles and drones. They are like Nazis. Texas is no better than any other state in that regard. They are a police state just like all the others.
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:07amRed Bubba,
Report Post »Your post made me chuckle. The “War on Food” is here, brother. And, yes, it is being fought by the fat, out of shape agents of the state. Nothing challenges sanity more than having fat women hired by the state giving lectures on the evils of soda pop and the benefits of exercise. I’ve seen this building up for some time.
Here’s how I suspect this will play out: You can be fat, but you‘ll need state certification as why you’re fat. Don’t have your govt. papers to excuse your fatness? “That’s a fine, boy. We sendin’ you to the Richard Simmons Penitentiary.”
Rightallalong
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:57am@SamSez22 — You are absoluetely spot on … unfortunate that so many people on this board have the … ‘I don’t do anything wrong so I don‘t care if they search me’ attitude. They will get a rude surprise when they start to figure out that with the profoundly obscure laws thtat we currently enjoy, most people are breaking laws (rules, policies, regulations) everyday without knowing it. Have enough laws and everyone is a criminal when it convienient for them to be …
Report Post »Wolf
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:03amPIGSAREI- your name says it all.
Report Post »lightng_
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:28amWell put, BADDOGGY. There isn’t proof he was even part of the group. The fact is, if his plate was obscured, when Moore ask why am I being stopped, punk a_ _ cop replied I’m confiscating your camera. Mr. Moore’s Constitutional Rights were violated from the beginning of the stop. End of story, illegal search and seizor. The cop should be fired.
Report Post »cykonas
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:39amPigsarei, I am having some real problems with the logic you use to make your point. First you state, “These bikers were putting many peoples lives at risk that day and other days as well.” The story is about THIS biker, not THESE bikers. Am I to understand that it’s okay if the police stop, detain and arrest ANY biker at any time due to the alleged unsafe actions of ANY OTHER biker? I’m sure there are drivers in your area that drive vehicles similar to the vehicle that you drive. Is it, then, okay if the police stop, detain and arrest YOU because ANY OTHER driver acted in an unsafe manner? I think that a pretty scary way for a law enforcement organization to operate. Next you state, “As a father of three I am glad someone is taking some action against these bikers.” So if you were childless at this point in your life you would decry this officers actions? Or, maybe if you only had two children? What does the number of children have to do with the rights of other individuals? And again, we are talking about THIS biker, not THESE bikers. You close with, “While this may seems an attack on individual liberties, this man was part of this motorcycle group that was causing troubles.” So, again, if you are cruising along the highway in a group of 4 wheeled vehicles and another motorist commits an infraction you’re okay with a law enforcement officer stopping, detaining and arresting YOU because you were in, or near, that group? Scary logic indeed, sir. Peace.
Report Post »gregnboutz
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:44amThe police are way out of order and you trying to protect their anger is not helping society out at all. This city is asking for the same thing as a few other cities have gotten over a few decades and that a few are probably going to get from the anger they are stiring up. Their attitude reminds me of OKC and a guy named Timmy I met there back in the late 70′s. or early 80′s. He was angry at the police there and people ruining our environment. He said said he was going to do something that the city would never forget. I thought he was talking about the corrupt police department there. He got this angry after I had told him someone there spent 9 days in jail on a civil offense. He had a contract and offered the exact amount of cash on that contract to pay it off. They refused the cash payment and demanded 3 times that amount. He offered the exact amount to them 3 times. He finally got tired of their harassment and called the police to get rid of them. He got arrested instead for not paying the amount they were demanding. That was not an arrestable offense and that guy spent 9 days in jail until a judge said that he didn’t even know why he was placed under arrest for a civil case and after the cash payment had been turned down that he was no longer liable to even make payment on that contract. He got angrier. I didn’t take him that serious, but he certainly took it out on that city a few years later. Evil will destroy evil. God let the evil get destroyed and the rest tested
Report Post »Mutiny
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:50am@pigs
LOL, you are a idiot.
This is why the second amendment is so important. There is a story on the blaze once a week about moron cops stepping all over the Constitution. Yes I know that you Romney and Obama folks dont understand it, but the with the cops armed to the teeth, the only thing to balance them is equally armed citizens.
I live in a town of 15 thousand. We have policemen with machine guns, we have a armed truck, and over 250 police cars. Half of them are the new Chargers. Our police department could take over most of the nations we are bombing with our military.
Hey, keep voting in people who take away your freedoms for you own good. We will be a full blown police state soon enough.
Report Post »AFMomXs2
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:06pmSeriously ?? I thought Texans were a take charge kind of people ? Cleveland OH used to have Star Boys. Don’t most of the people in Texas drive a 4X4 or a truck… My suggestion if you don’t like these crotch rockets scaring your little girl then the people of Dallas need to grow a pair and start hitting them. If they are stopping traffic RUN THEM OVER !!! Simple as that. You can‘t tell me a semi wouldn’t be able to take at least 4 or 5 of them out. One night a Star Boy came up next to me and had I seen him coming I would have happily opened my car door on the freeway and killed him. End of problem! You start running them over they soon get the message they are not welcome! So yes my suggestion to the fine folks of Dallas…. Run them over and kill them.. end of problem!!! And lets face it wouldn‘t be hard to prove you felt you were in danger and Texas feels that’s good enough !
Report Post »And while your at it Fire this cop who obviously has penis envy which is why he has to be so tough and carry a gun.
brother_ed
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 12:19am@PIGSAREI
Though I am empathetic, I disagree.
I live in the Dallas area, and know someone who used to run with this crowd. They are trouble makers.
The best thing to do is to film them on your smart phone (after you call the police). Most of them have their plates stuck far underneath their fenders or removed while stunting, but you can get a good description of their bike and gear.
The police around here are really trying to crack down on these kids and they may need to come up with a different tactic than responding in a squad car. It’s kind of like herding cats. There is safety in numbers and the riders know this.
Patience is required. They usually end up organ doners.
There are old bikers and drinking bikers, but there is no such thing as an old drinking biker.
Report Post »patentdude
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:10amWhat is this supposed to mean? “Ironically, the department says not dash cam video exists from Westbrook’s squad car.“ Is is supposed to read ”Ironically, the department says dash cam video does not exists from Westbrook’s squad car”?
I bet The Blaze can find some unemployed English majors (likely with Masters) to proof these posts for next to nothing.
Report Post »Godzgrl247
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:17amIt reads well to me. It doesn’t say “not” as you typed. It says “no.” I too find it ironic that there is no dash cam video from the squad car. That suggests that there is some fear that the officer WAS over stepping boundaries.
Report Post »Red Bubba
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:17amWe get your point, but it is important to avoid typos when criticizing the typos of others. It makes you look like an idit.
AJAYW
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:24amYou can bet if the dash cam video helped their case it would be there. They are covering it up. They have learned fast from Holder’s actions not to let material out that could be used against them.
Report Post »J Emailus
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:36amIt was a typo as stated earlier… The Blaze finally got a proof reader on it and edited the story.
Report Post »Texas Chris
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:29amThe irony is that no official dash-cam video exists of the arrest over a hemlet-cam video.
If Deputy Doughnut had video of the bikers lawbreaking, why arrest and confiscate THIS one?
Report Post »Godzgrl247
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:08amBikers were warned by A.B.A.T.E. about laws that Oklahoma is trying to put into effect for pulling bikes over for “safety checks.” This makes me so angry!
Report Post »Mutiny
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:54amThe reason we have seat belt laws is so cops can get into anyone’s car they want. All they have to say is you were not wearing your seat belt. 99.9 % of the time you couldnt not prove them wrong. Then the search for anything starts.
After the economic collapse of the United States and the global government takes over we will wish these were the worst stories about stupid cops.
Report Post »SREGN
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:07amWow. When I saw the headline I thought it was surely Jersey. Now all my hopes of escaping to a saner place have been dashed. Sniffle……
Report Post »cykonas
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:59amYou can retain your hope. Just stay out of Dallas, Houston and Austin. Dallas and Houston are suffering the same degradation of all the large US cities. Austin has the double whammy of being the State Capitol with lots of civil “service” types and a Big College with plenty of faculty. It’s Liberal Loon Central South.
The rest of TX is pretty free and a great place to live. I’m aggressively looking for job opportunities so I can get back there, hopefully around San Antonio. The hill country of TX is beautiful. Florida is becoming too whacky for me any more.
Report Post »Texas Chris
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:31amCy,
Report Post »Beaumont, Texas. 20,000 new jobs in the next 2-3 years. Good pay. Low cost of living.
cykonas
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:54am@TEXAS_CHRIS
Thanks for the tip pardner! I’ll check it out. Peace.
Report Post »LameLiberals
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 2:17pmWow. When I saw the headline I thought it was surely Jersey.
____
Report Post »Jersey – LOL – you mean the state ran by the fattest RINO in the GOP herd Chris Christy. The SAME governor who REFUSED to join the other states to fight ObamaCare in the Supreme COurt. The SAME governor who passed a $1000 fine (or whatever) if you dog sticks it head out the car window.
mr.goodvibe
Posted on June 27, 2012 at 1:16amCy I work in Beamont frequently, You want to stay out of the west side of the city, parts of Nederland and Port Arthur, there is plenty of country all around, Orange is a nice little town, Overall Beaumont is one of my favorite cities in Texas, it has some of the same problems as any other city but is mostly a great place and ou are close to louisianna and plenty of water, industry wise there are oil terminals, shipping, polymers, refineries, lots of places for good jobs, I hope I get enough work over in that area to get away from Houston and it’s suburbs.
Report Post »MosesMcGurk
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:06amVere are your papers! Gestapo in action.
Report Post »madasblazes
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 2:41pmWestbrook:
Report Post »YOU disgust me!!
applehill
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:05amPolice Thug force at it again. The Blue fraternity bringing injustice to the people because someone gave them a gun and a badge.
Report Post »Red Bubba
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:04amRogue cops scare me more than foolish bikers.
Report Post »Fubared
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 10:48amWaaaay more.
Report Post »Rayblue
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 4:05pmC.O.B. police…I‘m the one that wouldn’t pull over on Main between Rollingbrook and Baker.
Report Post »Have a nice day…
Loki
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:03amAnd we are supposed to idolize these jackbooted thugs Glenn?
Report Post »We are in a police state…..
theblazerunner
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 1:22pmi read it…
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:02amAh, so we begin Monday with a taste of ham-fisted authoritarianism. That always whets the appetite for more news and commentary. As usual, many won’t be able to resist defending an agent of the state having a bad hair (bristle?) day. Have at it; one more time, defend a goon having his way with a citizen. And don’t p!ss and moan when the same is then done to you.
WE
ARE
NOT
THE
PROPERTY
OR
PETS
OF
THE
STATE…
TO
DO
WITH (& TO)
AS
ITS
AGENTS
PLEASE.
MAULEMALL
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:10amNobody reads crap posted in that manner
Report Post »The Gooch
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:59amMAULEMALL
Report Post »Um, thanks?
Texas Chris
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:32amI read it. I guess that makes me nobody…
Report Post »AJAYW
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 7:59amAnd people wonder why the police force around the nation has lost the respect of the people they are sworn to serve. Bad cops were once thought to be a small percentage> I would venture to say now its about 25% plus. I wouldn’t trust any of them.
Report Post »Baddoggy
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:13am25%? More like 85%. They are jackbooted thugs.
Report Post »Texas Chris
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:36amA friend of mine stopped next to a cop car in Austin to ask for directions. The cop gave him directions and followed him to his desination. In rout the cop ran the plates and found an old, unpaid parking ticket. When they arrived at the place, the cop arrested my friend.
Why? Was there some imminent threat to society? Some great danger?
Never talk to the cops.
Report Post »Mutiny
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:56amI agree with doggy, I would say 10 to 15% of the cops are good. The rest are idiots.
Report Post »gregnboutz
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 12:57pmI’ll agree with BADDOGGY that it is probably 85% or more now. We have had too many for too long and the original bad ones are running the departments now and teaching their corrupt practices. The new ones see this daily and think it is a right for them to insult, bruise, offend, and even kill those that they don’t like. I’ve had officers threaten to hurt or kill me in different states just because I was carrying a camera, or watching them handle a scene. They know they’re immune from being punished by their bosses who lived the same lifestyle. Those who live by the sword will die by the sword so I know they will die in the end. How they die is up to God. They may kill themselves or may get blown up like OKC and those who have watched and done nothing about the corruption will be put to the test on forgiveness. Hatred blocks our immune systems and those that can’t forgive and are full of hate are probably going to get cancer or other diseases. They’ve found that one main thing most cancer patients have in common is being unable to get rid of their tensious past and hatred. When our bodies have hatred and our bodies go into a fight or flight mode, our immune system is useless because no nutrients or oxygen make it to cells. Cancer loves a weak immune system and a low oxygen environment so don’t fall prey to hatred. We need to make it clear that police need to be punished just like the rest of us and should not be given any immunity that none of us have. They’re not spec
Report Post »Scollar
Posted on June 26, 2012 at 3:15am1% of cops are doing the right thing everyday. 99% have done the wrong thing and will do it again. I know cops who brag about the **** they pull. Most cops have something to prove. They are weak people inside.
Report Post »florida123
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 7:57amThe constitution win over frustration everytime, the rest of the story, Dallas Taxpayers pay up for these thug cops violating this guys Constitutional rights!! This taxpayer is fed up with paying for Rogue Cops and Elected Officials!!!!!!
Report Post »yougottabekidding
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:06amGuess what people are tired of putting up with these idiots on motorcycles too.
Report Post »aggiebrewer
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:06amthen we make such a fuss that the deputy is fired. we don’t use this as a means to get paid. how would city pay for a lawsuit florida? with your tax dollars.
Report Post »biffo
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 7:54amIf holder doesn’t have to follow the law then why should this cop? Get ready boys. When obama loses crap hitting fan. Much worse if he wins.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:20amGo one step further, ” then why should anyone follow the law?”
Report Post »copatriots
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:57amExactly 13TH! That is how my feeling about ILLEGAL ALIENS in this country. Why should any of the citizens be held accountable to our law when ILLEGALS aren’t? They are let go and not held responsible for any traffic violation while citizens are required to have a driver’s license, proof of registration and insurance. This country is truly insane.
Report Post »Xiccarph
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 11:50amThe answer is easy, Copat….citizens have a life, job, property, and are trackable, and thus can’t disappear at will, or have a sympathetic ICE or system to get a get-out-of-jail-and-fines free pass. The long and short of it is Follow the Money. Why do you think we are having all these national “crackdowns” on auto, boat, cycle, or whatever drivers. Hey, they are moving in their own property, are easy to catch, and our wonderful state/federal lawmakers are… well…making endless nanny-state laws for our own safety that allow LEOs to grab us anytime, anyplace, anyhow, and hand us a ticket by only having to get out of their squads and walk 20 feet and back. Is there anything more terrifying to the People than a driver without a seatbelt?? My God, the horror of it all! Follow the Money. When’s the last time you heard of a national crackdown on muggers, burglars, rapists, illegals, drug dealers, vandals, etc that every state snaps to attention to implement?? Never, of course, because its too much effort and has no monetary reward for the Justice System/Gov’t. I mean come on, why drive through alleys and dark streets at 2am looking for trouble, when all you have to do is hide by an empty intersection, sip coffee and have donuts, and hand a ticket to some working stiff for making a rolling stop on their way home? Holy Crackdown, Batman!
Report Post »blanco5
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 7:51amI know Glenn Beck moved to TX to esape the tyranny of nyc, but no one warned him about some of the TX cities that are no better than what he left! Even TX is disappointing these days. Nowhere is safe!
Report Post »aggiebrewer
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:13amtrue blanco5. Austin is the premier progressive city in TX. But Dallas, Houston and San Antonio also have their issues with progressivism. A small town in east Tx about 15 miles from me called Longview is very progressive in its government. Really is a mess. These loval governments are out of control too. Most of our taxes (everyone included) are paid to local governments anyway.
Report Post »NealPatrick
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 8:30amHouston has a lesbian mayor on her 2nd term in office. I think that speaks volumes about where things have headed in the state over the last decade.
Report Post »hammer71
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:48amSo where can we go?! Where does tyranny not rule? Wyoming? Alaska? This is very disappointing.
Report Post »USA5
Posted on June 25, 2012 at 9:36pmYou are right about Texas flooded with liberalism/socialism..boys cheering USA USA USA at basketball game are punished, Jewish parents suing sport organization to right to play, going against agreements,
Report Post »…no need to run and hide…stand up for what is right and true..our Founding Fathers did, those brave
men in the Alamo did, the were not soldiers..simple men, women…some Americans…some Tejanos…some Mexicans.