Who is the Officer Behind the Viral Canton Traffic Stop Video & What’s Become of Him?
- Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:55am by
Jonathon M. Seidl
- Print »
- Email »
Officer Harless.
Yesterday, we brought you the video of an irate Canton, OH police officer threatening to kill a concealed carry gun owner. It went viral. Today, we learn that the officer involved has been placed on leave. But we’re also learning a lot more about the officer himself, including his reported history of being the focus of internal affairs investigations.
WJW-TV reports Officer Daniel Harless was placed on leave after the June 8 incident, although it doesn’t note how soon after the incident the action took place.
However, a report by the Canton Repository reveals more details. According to its story, Harless was placed on leave on June 20 pending the completion of an internal investigation. And according to the paper, Harless has a history of complaints against him — he has faced 16 internal affairs investigations since 2000 and been reprimanded in the past:
Harless, 45, an Ohio native and former Marine worked as a police officer in Virginia for four years before coming to Canton in 1996.
During his career he has earned several commendations.
One was from a Virginia judge, who praised the way Harless handled a situation involving a man with a gun, according to records in his city personnel file.
Canton’s internal affairs unit has investigated 16 complaints involving Harless dating back to 2000.
He was reprimanded in one 2003 case. Harless and another officer were exonerated of using excessive force, but were given a letter of reprimand for not activating the in-car video camera at the scene per department policy.
Once the investigation into Harless is completed he will face a disciplinary hearing, Police Chief Dean McKimm told WJW.
“I think it’s important for citizens to understand that the behavior demonstrated on the video is wholly unacceptable, and it violates many of our rules, our regulations and standards we demand of our officers,” the chief told the Repository.
“The city administration, in conjunction with the police department, recognizes the seriousness of this matter,” he added.
Perhaps surprisingly, the Repository reports the police union head — Bill Adams — is not throwing his support, at least publicly, behind Harless:
“Obviously whatever transpired on that video is an isolated incident,” Adams said. “It happened and it’s being handled properly right now and the chief is doing what he feels is necessary.”
Adams said calls involving guns can be emotional and dangerous situations, but he wasn’t condoning anything that might have happened on the recording.
“We’re a very well-trained and well-rounded police department that has solid officers that can make good, solid decisions every day,” he said. “You can’t (take) one incident like this and make it like every (officer) is out of control.”
The gun owner’s full name has also been revealed. He is 52-year-old William E. Bartlett, of Brewster, OH.
The story has quickly become a staple on the internet. Ohioans For Concealed Carry, which first posted the video and is raising money for Bartlett’s defense, says that the response was so large it shut down the group’s website temporarily.
“Shortly after 7:00pm Thursday our website could no longer handle the volume of visitors we were receiving,” the group says on its website. “We promptly quadrupled the resources behind OhioCCW.org in light of the popularity of this story.”
“The video and story has gone both viral and national crossing over to websites not typically affiliated with the pro-gun movement,” it added.
Popular Stories
Paper Details Obama Admin’s Alleged Secret Note Sent to Iran: If Israel Attacks, We Won’t Get Involved 590 Comments
This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 415 Comments
‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 414 Comments
President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 379 Comments
Roseanne Barr: Most Billionaires ‘Violent Pedophiles’ & ‘Heartless’ Cocaine Addicts 375 Comments
Faith
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 415 Comments
Pakistani Muslim Cleric Accused of Framing Disabled Christian Girl in Koran-Burning Case Read More- ‘Made Up Religion’: TV Historian Enrages Muslims, Receives Threats After Producing UK Documentary Questioning Islam’s Beginnings 414 Comments
Meet the Controversial German Imam Accused of Brutally Beating His Wife & Pushing Sharia Law Read More
‘Self-Proclaimed Messiah’ & Unification Church Leader the Rev. Sun Myung Moon Has Died — Here’s His Life Story Read More
Business
- President Obama Issues Major ‘Green Energy’ Executive Order 379 Comments
- Germany’s Upcoming Court Ruling Will be Huge for the EU Read More
Ford Looks to Beat Toyota for Best-Selling Car in 2012 With This Model 151 Comments
Bernanke & QE3: Here’s What You Need to Know 100 Comments- ‘Extortion’: Why Did the Labor Department ‘Drop the Hammer’ on Oregon Farmers? 303 Comments
Technology
- This Is the Creationists‘ Response to Scientist Bill Nye’s Viral Pro-Evolution Video Claiming They Harm Children 415 Comments
‘TaserDrone’: Hackers Weaponize Quadcopter With Actual ‘Shocking’ Technology Read More
Ever Heard of the Wild ‘Burning Man’ Festival in the Middle of the Nev. Desert? Here’s Your Primer Read More
Stanford Develops Technology ‘Better Than Steroids’ for Athlete Recovery Read More
Have You Pretended to Know What ‘the Cloud’ Is? You’re Not Alone Read More
Submitting your tip... please wait!
Comments (371)
douglassoileau
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:32amThis clown need to work in the prison,,let him know you don’t need a gun to be professional law enforcement……He thinks his gun and badge makes him six feet tall and bullet proof…..this clown and others like him are the type of officers that get shot………Stupid is this guy’s first name……..
Report Post »ccrabill
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:50amHe needs to be in PRISON, not guarding prisoners! He is a CRIMINAL!
Report Post »David286 - FL
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:52amNo this guy needs to be behind bars! If any of us had threatened anyone like that we’d be doing time for it! LE is NOT above the law and SHOULD be held to a higher standard.
Report Post »David286 - FL
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:55amNo this guy needs to be behind bars! If any of us had threatened anyone like that we’d end up doing time. LE is NOT above the law and SHOULD be held to a higher standard!
Report Post »dudironimis
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:56amI think he is about 6′, and he has a bullet proof vest on. That’s pretty close.
Report Post »drphil69
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:10am“Obviously whatever transpired on that video is an isolated incident,” Adams said.
Canton’s internal affairs unit has investigated 16 complaints involving Harless dating back to 2000.
I guess it depends on the definition of “isolated?” Send the ***** to jail… I hear they love cops in jail…
Report Post »Rob in Katy
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:20amNo chin and ‘roids will do that to a feller, well mostly ‘roids but the lack of a chin probably has him overcompensating…and did I mention the steroids?
Report Post »Jezcruzen
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:50amI agree. He needs to be IN PRISON and receiving psychiatric observation. He also needs a drug test for steroid use.
BTW, it isn’t HIS gun. It belongs to the citizens that bought it!
Report Post »madhornet
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 12:12pmlol, that’s funny DougG. his first name is stupid. i’m 54 and never seen behavior such as that cop. his actions were lame and utterly stupid. He has some kind of obession that is keeping him from being a good cop. Maybe he is addicted to some form of vice
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 12:21pmCivil libertarians are raising the alarm over the state’s plans to create a Big Brother database that could map drivers’ whereabouts with police cruiser-mounted scanners that capture thousands of license plates per hour — storing that information indefinitely where local cops, staties, feds and prosecutors could access it as they choose.
* A d v e r t i s e m e n t
*
“What kind of a society are we creating here?” asked civil rights lawyer Harvey Silverglate, who along with the ACLU fears police abuse. “There comes a point where the surveillance is so pervasive and total that it’s a misnomer to call a society free any longer.”
The computerized scanners, known as Automatic License Plate Recognition devices, instantly check for police alerts, warrants, traffic violations and parking tickets, which cops say could be an invaluable tool in thwarting crime. The Executive Office of Public Safety has approved 27 grants totaling $500,000 to buy scanners for state police and 26 local departments. The purchases are on hold while state lawyers develop a policy for the use of a common state database all the scanners would feed.
Some ALPR scanners already are deployed on Massachusetts roads. State police have two. Several cities use them for parking enforcement. Chelsea has four scanner-mounted cruisers.
Report Post »http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1353264
De minimus
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:00pmThis clown needs to be in a federal prison for openly violating constitutional rights. A life sentence sounds about right to me. Wanna bet it doesn’t happen?
YOU are their enemy,until you prove yourself otherwise, unless they won’t give you the chance, in which case…. YOU are their enemy.
Report Post »cosette
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:11pm@ David 286 Fl. I disagree. While I believe 100% he should be punished to the FULLEST extent of the law, I do not believe he should be punished over and above it. EQUAL protection under the law is constitutional. Anything other than that is not.
Report Post »408 CheyTac
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:14pmIt’s US vs THEM – wake up America.
Another small-man syndrome cop. gee, colour me surprised… or not.
Report Post »sskeldon
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:14pmJust another “Meathead” cop, throwing his weight around..
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:17pmhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbZJXrtr0YY&feature=related
Report Post »darkknight91
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 2:09pmHe’ll just do it again. Suspended then he’ll be back to his old ways. Throw the bum in jail.
Report Post »Shuffler
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 2:50pmOfficers in the prison system can behave pretty high and mighty as well… you don’t need a gun and badge to be a complete creep. I think it’s shameful that this man has been able to walk our streets as any type of law enforcement. It concerns me that this officer was exonerated of using excessive force, but was given a letter of reprimand for not activating the in-car video camera at the scene per department policy.
It sounds like they need to reopen that case! It sounds like old school police officers protecting their own of bad behavior. He should be fired. I know not officers behave in this manner. I completely respect the jobs that police officers are faced with on a daily basis, but this guy seems to crack under pressure? What pressure was there? He should not be able to carry a badge or gun and represent the majority who put their lives on the line day in and day out, and yet treat American citizens well. God Bless those men and women who protect us!
Report Post »mrdbcooper
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 2:59pmSTEROIDS is written all over this story…he would be great, working for ATF
Report Post »Zer0
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 3:07pm@Booger71,
One word…..Unions.
These cops today do not believe they’re here to “protect and serve”, but righteous authoritarians who do not have to obey the same laws we do. Many cops routinely violate their own policy/procedure, as well as the law, but stay on duty or continue to get paid by YOU the taxpayer after they just “put lumps” on you…..why? Because of Union protection. Just like “touchy-feely” teachers in New York, you cannot fire them! Even though you’re paying their checks and their pensions and they work for you!
Report Post »sissykatz
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 3:33pmThe Police officer should be charged with terroristic threats and treated as a terrorist. I would like to know what has happened to the poor man that was charged.The video said they were collecting money for his defense fund. I think the Attorney should defend him for free because he will probably write a book about this. I believe they should drop all charges against the man. He was not guilty in the first place. He was so obedient and nice during this arrest. I would have become a statisic because with my mouth the Police would have shot me and destroyed the tape.
Report Post »teamarcheson
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 4:08pmEven in New Jersey, COPs are very belligerent even when called on for help in public or at home. Once I made the mistake of calling 911 for an EMS because a daughter was having a allergic reaction to a prescription drug. Six police arrived with the EMS and threatened to shoot me when I asked them to leave my house. They simmered down when I demanded they call for their supervisor. I will never call the police again if I need EMS, I will drive to the ER myself or drag my loved one outside and wait for the EMS. Cops are only looking for an easy no risk arrest.
Cops no longer can be trusted, they are dishonest and on the side of the Criminal.
Report Post »BlazingPatriot
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 4:09pmDaniel Harless is a shameful jerk who only makes good officers look bad.
Sucks to be you, Dan!!
Report Post »South Philly Boy
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 4:17pmIn the SHOWER STALL
Report Post »Live_Free_orDie
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 4:18pmWhat happend here is the cop feels tough because he carries a gun and thinks no one else should…pooped himself.
Report Post »teamarcheson
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 4:18pmWhat would happen to a US Marine who treated an Iraqi civilian like this? If a US soldier acted this way in Afghanistan, Congress would demand a Courts Marshall. Maybe this COP read the letter from DHS about White Terrorists or this COP was just doing what COP do best when its a white male. COPs will get fired for just trying to arrest a Black man. This Cop has a history of bad behavior yet he still carries a gun.
Report Post »MCAinSTL
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 4:19pmThat cop is a filthy nazi, worse than Hitler’s goons. First, the search of the car, without the owner’s consent is illegal. He then wouldn’t let the man talk and berates him for not informing him of the CC permit. After he disarms the man, he threatens him. He then said he wanted to excute him and his partner would lie for him. The partner is just as much a jack booted thug as the mouth. It‘s easy to see why the jury in the OJ trial didn’t believe the cops. If I was black and had to deal with this facist BS all the time, I would hate cops also. I hope the man sues the crap out of this nazi. Cops like this deserve to be shot.
Report Post »Thomas
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 4:45pmThis police officer needs to go to prison for the threats he made in this video. Police officers are not above the law.
Report Post »Bum thrower
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 5:16pmI agree. Has no business in law enforcement….BAD APPLE
Report Post »author5555
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 6:23pmI have all the respect in the for these cops. The problem is there are a few bad apples that make the rest of them look bad. If this cop is truly that bad, then what is he doing serving the community. He should be fired if the reports are accurate. He is a danger when he can carry a gun
Report Post »M4finny
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 8:50pmNo, he doesn’t need to work in a prison either. He needs to be behind the doors of one, but while donning an orange jump suit. Correctional Officers aren’t thugs like this ass-hat either. His only change in profession needs to be from that of a cop to a felon.
Report Post »The Storm
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:33pmAlot of the cops here in NYS have a chip on their shoulder as well. They treat you like a piece of dirt and prejudge you without knowing you. Their an extension of the government. I was an EMT for a period of time and even some of those people wished there would be an accident so they had something to do. The same principle applies to cops. They need a reason to bust somebody just to make them feel superior. It sure is obvious. I don’t trust any of them!!!
Report Post »newrepublic7
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 9:48pmI understand this guy/cop puts up with alot of crap and puts his life on the line. BUT IF HE CAN”T HANDLE IT, get out of law enforcement. This guy has issues and threated to put lumps on people and put a gun to a mans head. WOW Please someone in Canton, OH PD take action and remove him from the streets.
Report Post »The-Monk
Posted on July 23, 2011 at 12:19amLook on the bright side… the COPS did not erase the video tape from the Cop car. Which means that there must be at least some honest Cops around there! Hope he ends up in prison and in GP.
Report Post »Nathaniel Horn
Posted on July 23, 2011 at 12:23amI thought that was very interesting what ‘Rob in Katy’ said about steroids. I didn‘t think of that but doesn’t it just look exactly like roid rage? Totally irrational on a number of levels.
I think he’s in the wrong business. They should make him work in a flower shop while he’s also getting therapy and going through a substance abuse program… :)
Report Post »Zorro6821
Posted on July 23, 2011 at 7:41amUnfortunately these types of situations are quite common. Many cops are very professional and do a great service, however the few who go on power trips really blow it for the honest cops. I hope this video will be used for training future cops, “How not to Act”
Report Post »Trailblazer
Posted on July 27, 2011 at 3:16pmThis traffic stop was not originally about a weapon legally possessed by victim. The traffic stop was illegal as these cops had absolutely no probable cause to stop and detain these people. These cops escalated an illegal stop and detention into an illegal search of the vehicle.
Report Post »These officers were tactically unsafe and had it been anyone else they had stopped, they could have ended up dead. The partner needs to be disciplined for failure to act, stopping his partner from making criminal threats to the victim.
Cogitor
Posted on July 29, 2011 at 9:09amDid anyone hear any Miranda Rights being read to the gun owner?
Report Post »jrcess
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:31amWhat a miserable excuse for a human. This ***** should be fired and locked up.
Report Post »XinTX
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:47amHe should be in prison for making threats of violence (against the alleged prostitute) and death threats (’pull my .40 and pump ten rounds into you’). His partner should at least be dismissed for not either intervening or reporting the matter as soon as they arrived at the station.
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:26pmCop Kills a man in handcuffs and gets 11 months,
a nurse has sex with a 16 yr old boy at school and gets 9 years
Ex-cop Johannes Mehserle who shot, killed Oscar Grant at Oakland train station gets early release
BY MICHAEL SHERIDAN
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITER
Monday, June 13, 2011
A white ex-transit cop who shot and killed an unarmed black man at an Oakland train station on New Year’s Day in 2009 got an early release from prison Monday.
Johannes Mehserle served just 11 months of his two-year jail term, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.
“He was released at 12:01 a.m.,” a spokesman told CNN.
The 29-year-old scored an early release thanks to earning “good time” credit, with one point for every day spent in jail.
The slaying of 22-year-old Oscar Grant sparked outrage in Oakland, a northern California city.
Watch it for yourself
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IAHjhtYZpX0
tower7femacamp
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:28pmsearch BART shooting
Report Post »http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKKQ-gzc_Yw&feature=related
wildbill_b
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 5:06pmHe is guilty of Civil rights violations under Title 18 section 241 and 242. AS he involved his partner it became a RICO violation (that is conspiracy and racketeering)
I do hope this man gets a lawyer who is not a patsy for the government and pushes this issue. Harless’ partner appeared somewhat reluctant but still conspired with him.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 5:49pmIt IS us vs them. The cops in this country, generally, fall into two camps. One camp is “the public are our enemy and I will obey any order given to me by the state in exchange for an exorbatant salary and pension, as long as I protect the crooked politiicians” crowd. And, then , on the other hand you have true professionals that love their country and their fellow man and will lay down their lives for both. Those are the two camps.
Report Post »Viking64
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:31amWith all the chaos going on in America right now, I think it is a good idea that a law abiding citizen should have the right to carry, any one who carries, even criminals know there are legal responsibilities to carry and fire a weapon. I think police in general are great , but they spend most of the time investigating crimes after they have happened. If someone brakes in your home, car, etc, you may have only seconds to respond to any deadly force and personally I would rather respond with some chance to survive. Common sense is always needed, but especially then. I can think of extreme situations where a armed citizen might help the police, either way a legal CCW Permit holder has rights. Believe me as the US economy worsens under Obama’s policies, crime will increase big time almost all over our great country, especially in the large nanny state liberal cities.
Report Post »In.Spite.of.Myself
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:49am@Viking64…
As Uncle Ted said it right in his famous intervue: “The Second Amendment is my concealed carry permit!”
A CCW is another government measure to try and reduce the amount of citizens that carry firearms. Just another hurdle that also places tougher laws and penalties onto the CCW carrier if something like this incident happens to them.
Report Post »SgtSpike
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:32amYou’re right. As is sometimes said, “In any life or death situation, when seconds count, the police are minutes away”.
Report Post »ScreaminEagle
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 12:18pmIf you ask anyone who spent time in the military they would tell you Police means to clean up after the fact. Spent many hours on my hands and knees in basic training, policeing litter on the parade field.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 7:53pmThat’s the problem, this cop obviously doesn’t think anyone else has the right to carry a weapon but him. He bullies with his weapon. They teach them (army and marines), this is my weapon, this is my gun. This is for fighting, this is for fun. let him discover the fun in prison.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 7:53pmThat’s the problem, this cop obviously doesn’t think anyone else has the right to carry a weapon but him. He bullies with his weapon. They teach them (army and marines), this is my weapon, this is my gun. This is for fighting, this is for fun. let him discover the fun in prison.
Report Post »Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:29amOkay, why is this rogue cop and loose nutcase still working for their police department? He will go off some time and kill an innocent person when, not if, his temperment again gets the better of him. That almost happened here…too close…way too close.
Report Post »fertlmind
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:42am@snow
It’s POSSIBLE that this officer has been involved in too many stressful incidents and has become this way over time.
Retire this guy,…don’t crucify him.
The good news here is that the CCW cause gets some positive exposure. The driver obviously was trying to inform the officer but was obedient and polite during the process even under duress. The officer was never in ANY danger from this citizen. This is a stable, responsible, second ammendment rights, CCW gun owner in public ,…in action.
Report Post »The truth is that 99% of CCW holders are.
Skippy Toes
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:44amA. They are all “union buddies” and “brothers”
B.If you folks think he is the exception, think again
C. It‘s the cop’s word against yours
D. Cops are legally allowed to lie (Supreme Court decision)
E. Some cops are thugs with badges
F. We’ve got several ( thugs) where I live
G.That subhuman threatend to EXECUTE that poor man, charge him with felonies, harass
and put him in jail every time he saw the guy’s car
H. We do that? We go to prison. Cop does that? What do you think folks?
P.S. I was raised to respect cops. Have seen too many injustices. Favorite targert of the local police?
Report Post »Teenagers. Pull them over, harass the h*ll out them,.Scare the h*ll out them just because they can.
Changed my opinion of them.
Very sad.
Anonymous T. Irrelevant
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:07pmWhere do you live? I’ll make sure to keep a wide berth of that area.
Report Post »tower7femacamp
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 1:38pm@FERTLMIND
Report Post »you need to watch this video and tells us why the cops are grabbing peoples cameras ?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_K0PISpxx4&feature=related
Laureen1
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 6:16pmSkippyToes – Agree with you 100% about the police pulling over and harrassing teenagers. I live outside of Detroit and a few months ago a lady in the neighborhood reported seeing a black kid speeding down the street in my son’s camaro. Police came to my house (after already having been by my son‘s black friend’s house which they didn’t tell me) and asked if the car belonged to my son and then told me what happened. At 1st i was angry thinking my son was letting his friend drive his car so I named the boy I thought it was. They then left my house, leaving me with the impression that it was an informational visit. Called my son and told him to come home. He waited for 10 minutes before leaving his friends house 2 blocks away. As soon as he pulled down our street 2 police cars pulled him over. The younger cop kept telling my son that if he didn’t admit his friend was driving his car that he would take the fall. I asked the other cop how they would be able to charge my son with Reckless driving if the woman signed a complaint because she stated a black kid was driving the car & my son is white. His answer was that the traffic investigators would make the decision. The one cop badgered my son for 20 minutes trying to get him to name his friend as the driver and spent over 2 hours on this speeding complaint. The new breed of cop seems to embody arrogance, self-rightousness and disrespect. I seriously thought they were here to serve and protect me – not threaten and harrass.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:21pmSkippy toes:
Teenagers have been a target of the police since I was a teen (and I’m now 47). I remember driving home around 3 in the morning, because I was out with my boyfriend (at 18) and being pulled over strictly because it was 3 am and I was driving. I didn‘t get detained longer than it took him to realize I hadn’t been drinking, but he had no grounds to pull me over in the first place.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 1:38am@Snow
Report Post »I would venture a guess that this cop has probably already killed somebody illegally.
ProudTeaPartyMember
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:25amThe guy is a loose cannon, ready to explode.
Report Post »DNT Tread On Me
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:24amThe thug in blue should be fired. Plain and simple. You can see by his actions from the video that this is not an isolated incident. Guy’s like this bully just make it harder for REAL Police officers to do their jobs. If the police departments will not uphold the 2nd Amendment WE THE PEOPLE are in for an uphill battle.
Report Post »pohknee
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:21amUnfortunately this is not an isolated incident and the law is being ignored. This individual was fully authorized and entitled to bear arms but was abused by police anyway. The police fear anyone that is capable of self protection and an armed citizen threatens their authority by demonstrating their liberty. It is only a matter of time until citizens begin to use that ability.
Report Post »cookcountypatriot
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:21amyea this guy is a creep…as far as a being a former marine….marines have a name for people like that…**** birds………………he,s a **** bird marine and a **** bird cop..
Report Post »bikerr
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:20amI‘m sure the driver doesn’t mind that he is supported by many people who believe in the right to conceal and carry.Hope it works out well for him.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 5:54pmThe guy was in fear of his life. The NAZI was so out of control, the guy thought he was a goner. You know, I love Marines and the military in general. My dad did 23 years. But, this guy smears all good men and women who have served. Who the hell does he think he is? He is nothing.
Report Post »zfoofo
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:19amHe shouldn’t worry about about finding a new line of work. The TSA is always looking for qualified morons,to work the on “The first line of defense” groping grannie’s and kids.
Report Post »BlueStrat
Posted on July 23, 2011 at 11:45pmMaybe if he went to work for the TSA he can threaten to take two steps back, pull his Glock .40, and put ten rounds into some 6-yr-old for crying when he’s groped, after he puts some lumps on his moms’ head for looking at him wrong.
That cop has serious mental issues.
Report Post »RepubliCorp
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:18amI am sure Canton, OH police only did this because of public outrage. I email them and said people need guns to protect themselves from you.
Report Post »Mil-Dot
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 6:26pmWhen the SHTF, basically this will happen. All of the cops will rendezvous at a pre-determined location with their families. Food, ammo and supplies will be in abundance. They will have a secure perimeter with night patrols 24/7. It will be a fortress. But, safety in numbers works folks. It just does. Do what they are going to do. Find a group and prepare to get together. Most cops want what we want, they are conservatives too. That is why they want to bust so much head. It ****** them off. So, most cops are our friends. It least 50/50. Man , that sucks to say that.
Report Post »IronSights
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:17amUnion protection. We live in a age where you can’t fire anyone for anything. If you do, you’ll be paying their unemployment for several months. He’s been placed on “leave” so I‘m sure he’s getting a mini vacation, time off with pay. No one is accountable for their actions anymore.
Report Post »BIGJAYINPA
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:28amFor now I will take the Chief and the Union Head at their word. His behavior was TOTALLY unacceptable as a law enforcement officer and he should not be allowed back on the street with a weapon until the cause of his outburst and any remedial action needed is complete. We place great trust in our police and depend on them to be professional and in control of themselves at all times. To Protect and Serve is not just a slogan……Just sayin’
Report Post »Tyr
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:43amNo BigJay…YOU trust the police. From what I read in comments here, on the previous story from yesterday and on other sites where this story has appeared, the majority of us FEAR and DISTRUST the police. Even if you are doing nothing wrong you too will someday be pulled over, harrassed and have yourself handcuffed while they search you and toss your car for weapons or drugs.
Report Post »rusty2x
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 3:10pmNo, you all don’t get it. I am from Canton, Ohio (lived their all my life for 41 years then moved to Texas in ‘09). I CAN tell you a little about the area he was pulled over in. Second and Newton… drug/gang/prostitution headquarters. I am in NO WAY defending this cops’ behavior, however, you have to know this area to know how dangerous it is for the Canton PD to patrol and how on edge they have to be. Gunshots all day/night, robberies, gang violence, prostitutes 24/7, burglaries, murders etc. We called it “the Newton Zone” No body up to any good was ever down there at night, for any reason. My brother unfortunately lived in that area for several years and I’m glad I had my conceal carry when I went to his house day or night. I wish the driver well, he didn’t deserve to be treated that way and he probably should have immediately handed the officer his DL and CC permit, that might have changed to whole situation. The officer definately over-reacted and should rightly be disciplined. Just giving an informed opinion.
Report Post »Rolandoobies
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:16amThe only people that can keep their jobs after a stunt like this are govt workers. And yes, they get to vote too. Terrifying, isnt it?
Report Post »Carbine
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:14amDismissal of this psycho is the only departmental action that is acceptable. This officer is a danger to the population and a disgrace to the force. He defiantly does not belong carrying a gun or badge. I hope the Ohio gun owners get together and demand his firing. Immediately after that the victim of his attack should sue him in civil court for every cent he will ever earn!
Report Post »cayenne523
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:14amHe should be fired. He should not be allowed to carry or even own a weapon. He obviously has an anger problem and or mental condition. A sad fact is if he is let go by the police department as far as I know there is no law that keeps him from obtaining employment from another police department in another community. Sixteen internal investigations in eleven years. I cannot imagine working for any company and being given such a long rope to work with. Let’s hope the man arrested is found not guilty. Let’s also hope he sues the pants off the city and the officers involved.
Report Post »scjeff
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:12amIt sounded more like he was due for another steroid injection.
Report Post »Gonzo
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:12am“Obviously whatever transpired on that video is an isolated incident,” From what I saw of that guy, I seriously doubt it.
Report Post »NotFooled
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:21amI don’t buy it either. There are many great cops on the road that get a bad rap due to idiots like this one. This guy needs a Psychological Elevation.
Report Post »sgtlmj
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:24amRight. 16 Internal Affairs investigations in twelve years is called a clue. I’ve been a cop at least that long and have 0 (zero) IA investigations under my belt. Of the 50 or so officers whom I know well, maybe one or two have had IA even look at them during their entire careers. The guy in the video is burned-out and a liability. He needs to find a less stressful job (if he isn’t jailed for the assault and threats, that is).
Report Post »DebbieFisher
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:12amHaving reviewed Meredith’s video of a good handling of a gun situation by a police officer, and now having read this article, I only want to emphasize what I had concluded with yesterday: It’s for the sake of the good officers like Matt of Oceanside that I wish to see specimens like Harless brought to heel or booted out of the law enforcement organizations.
Meanwhile, thank you, ladies and gentlemen in the peace officer forces across the land, for your devotion to public safety. It’s just a pity that our society has a big-enough irresponsible element to require so many of you on the front lines.
Report Post »Zeb
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:03amDebbie I concur with your post and invite all those loyal and oath abiding officers of the law to review their oath of office, and protect our constitution and keep this nation free. They may want to join other officers that have already.
http://oathkeepers.org/oath/
Report Post »Tyr
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 11:53amYou sound like those “good” Germans that dispised what the Nazis were doing but were afraid that if they didn’t agree with their thuggery they would be next. Just go along with it and pretend that only SOME of the Nazis are bad people…..”as a whole, Nazis are good, and they are doing what is best to serve us and the father-land” Naive
Report Post »DebbieFisher
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 2:49pmWell, Tyr, I guess to you any kind of government interaction with any kind of citizen makes for tyranny unless proven otherwise. I’ve had some bad cop experiences first hand, which have put me into inconvenience, injustice, and even in some danger. I don’t need to be told how bad abusive cops can be. But I’m grown up enough to see the difference between self-seeking holders of the badge (or other service insignia) and the ones who serve out of devotion to neighbor and nation. My family has a proud history of responding to our community’s needs in these areas. Some of us are liberals, some of us conservatives; all of us are patriots who understand and support the Constitution of the United States. Can you understand any of that? Yes, I believe that we are still far from being a totalitarian state — we may be sliding toward it, but I‘m part of the crowd that’s trying to fight the backward slide. Or have you read none of my remarks on any earlier comments to The Blaze?
Report Post »olddog
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:11am16 investigations does not say how many actual complaints.. If it’s 16 internal investigations there may be hundreds of actual complaints….There is something very wrong here, even though we must support our police, a bad one makes all look bad..
Report Post »Scrubpuppy
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:10amThanks for mentioning he’s a former Marine. Way to make the rest of us look like power mad fools.
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:13amOne certainly must be wired a bit differently to be a marine. Or, at least that was the case when I was in the service in late 1980‘s and early 1990’s. I‘m sure they’re not nearly as gungy now as back then,
Report Post »the hawk
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 4:30pmThe Marines seem to be for alpha males, I know a dozen, seems to apply
Report Post »Thats why they get the crap deployments !
BlueStrat
Posted on July 24, 2011 at 12:09amI’ve known a good number of Marines, and someone like this guy is definitely the exception, not the rule. One of the first things a Marine must learn is self control and the ability to calmly think through a situation while under extreme stress. That’s the point of the Gunny screaming in your face.
A stupid Marine with no self control is a DEAD Marine.
And Marines are NOT ALLOWED TO DIE WITHOUT PERMISSION!! :)
Report Post »kittybe62
Posted on August 1, 2011 at 4:34pmI know marines too… they don’t act like this guy. Doesn’t the Canton Police Department give psych evals before issuing revolvers?
Report Post »hauschild
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:10amPretty sad how private sector workers get fired immediately and the good ol’ coddled, public-sector socialists get put on “leave”.
The hypocrisy in this nation is stunning.
Report Post »loriann12
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:17amYea, and I bet it was paid leave, since they didn’t specifically state unpaid leave. I hate to see Marines given a bad name like that. Maybe he has PTSD issues and can bilk the public of more money for treatment.
Report Post »13th Imam
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:10amIf Mr. Bartlett had said and done exactly what this officer had done he would now be in jail.
Report Post »wildbluyonder11
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 12:18pmThey are trying to put Mr. Bartlett in jail! I don’t know why, after seeing this video, that the Ohio Concealed Carry Organization is having to raise funds for his defense. This should be an open and shut case, walk into the courtroom, put this video on and say “the defense rests”. What’s worse is that the lawful CCW permit holder can lose his rights simply for being charged with this bullcrap.
Report Post »The only resolution that can be accepted here is that this incident be completed cleared from Mr. Bartlett’s record and that this “police officer” be FIRED! It’s dirtbags like this guy that require law-abiding citizens to have to protect themselves with a concealed weapon, they’re unreliable and would probably back the wrong person in a CCW holder shooting incident. GET RID OF HIM.
Rodney777
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:08amWill hes an Idiot and needs to be fired ASAP! Moron P.S If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen dumb ass
Report Post »progressiveslayer
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:07amBased on that video Harless should resign and probably see a shrink.
Report Post »teddrunk
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:00amYou can’t blame the officer. That stop might of delayed his arrival at the local police union thug lesson meeting, or delayed his arrival at Dunkin Donuts.
Report Post »Polwatcher
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:06amGood point. Why is it so hard to fire creeps like this…on second thought, maybe the boss is a creep too.
Report Post »Thomas
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:10amWhat makes these cops think their are more qualified to carry a gun. They know they are not able to guarantee everyone’s safety because there is not enough of them. Yet some of them hate the idea that civilians have the right to protect them self. I have even seen them come out against the right to bare arms. If firearms don’t stop crime then why do police officers carry them?
Report Post »trolltrainer
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:12am“Give me a dozen jelly filled or I will pull my Glock and blow your f******* head off you f******* ****** *****. Don’t give me any lip b****, I will pop you, you hear me? Huh? Huh? Now get those d**** doughnuts right f***** now…”
Report Post »booger71
Posted on July 22, 2011 at 10:21amYour right, more and more the police are forgetting who they work for.This is just an example of why I feel cities should disband the “professional policeman” and bolster the Sheriff’s dept. The Sheriff has to answer to the voters, a Chief of Police does not.
Report Post »