Mom in minivan tasered twice in Salina traffic stop; camera captures deputy's rough roadside arrest (VIDEO)
by John O'Brien / The Post-Standard
Thursday August 13, 2009, 3:33 AM
In January, an Onondaga County sheriff's deputy pulled over Audra Harmon, who had two of her kids with her in her minivan. A routine traffic stop escalated quickly.
The deputy, Sean Andrews, accused her of talking on her cell phone. She said she could prove him wrong.
He said she was speeding. She denied it and got out of the van. He told her to get back in. She did, then he ordered her back out.
He yanked her out by the arm, knocked her down with two Taser shots and charged her with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest. His rationale on the disorderly conduct charge: She obstructed traffic when she got out of the van. The speeding accusation: going 50 mph in a 45-mph zone.
The scene along Hopkins Road in Salina on the afternoon of Jan. 31 was captured by a camera on the dashboard of Andrews' patrol car. Harmon, 38, says the video is proof of police brutality.
She plans to sue the sheriff's office today, claiming Andrews was improperly trained in the use of his Taser. It's not supposed to be used to take down people who pose no threat, she said.
Andrews, 37, a deputy for four years, was taken off road patrol after the arrest and will remain in a new assignment until an internal affairs investigation is finished, Sheriff Kevin Walsh said. Walsh declined to comment because the case is under litigation. Andrews also would not comment. He makes $49,095 a year.
Harmon was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and going 50 in a 45 mph zone. The district attorney's office dismissed the charges a month later -- after watching the videotape, said her lawyer, Terrance Hoffmann. The prosecutor could not be reached for comment.
Audra Harmon, a bus driver and mother of three, was Tasered twice by a deputy on a traffic stop in January. The charges were dismissed.In his report on the arrest, Andrews makes no mention of Harmon threatening him or using foul language. He said she refused his request to get back in her van, then refused to get out when he said she was under arrest, the report said. Harmon refused to comply with his commands to put her hands behind her back to be cuffed, Andrews wrote.
Here's Harmon's description of that day:
Harmon, a school bus driver for 11 years, was returning home from shopping and picking up her son Casey, 15, from wrestling practice. He was in the front passenger seat. Harmon's daughter Brandi, 5, was in the back seat. Harmon was driving on Electronics Parkway in the left lane and had to slow down to get into the right lane behind Andrews' patrol car so she could turn onto Hopkins.
Andrews made the turn ahead of her, then immediately pulled off to the side of Hopkins Road and let Harmon pass. He quickly turned on his flashing lights and pulled her over.
Andrews told Harmon he'd seen her using her cell phone while she was driving. In the video, he makes a phone gesture with his hand. She told him she'd been driving with her right hand on her cheek, but that she hadn't talked on the phone for at least two hours. She says she offered to let him look at the phone to see for himself. He declined.
Andrews said he also clocked her going 50 mph in a 45 mph zone. No way, Harmon recalls telling him.
"I want you to show me the tape," she told him.
"You'll have to take that up in court," he responded, according to Harmon. He told her the evidence was in a box in his patrol car, and started walking back toward it. Harmon followed. That's when he told her to get back in the van.
She says she didn't refuse the order but told him once more that she wanted to see his proof. Andrews drew the Taser and pointed it at her.
"Mom, get back in the car," she recalls her son telling her. A witness, Staci Santorelli, was across the road at the Shoot 'n' Score soccer center and heard Andrews tell Harmon she was under arrest. Harmon also says she remembers Andrews at some point telling her she was under arrest.
"I just wanted to get back in my car where I was safe and where my kids were," Harmon says. Andrews told her to get out.
"But you just told me to get in," she says she told Andrews. She heard her daughter crying, "Mommy! Mommy!"
"I was not getting out of that car," she says. "I was scared to death." She gripped the steering wheel with both hands as Andrews grabbed her by the arm and pulled. Harmon stands 5-foot-4. Andrews is 10 inches taller. After some tugging, he got her out.
She and Andrews stood facing each other for a few seconds, talking. He had the Taser pointed at her.
"I kept saying, 'Don't do this in front of my kids,'" she says.
Andrews fired the Taser, but it only gave her a small jolt, apparently because it hit her winter clothing. She started to get back in the van. Andrews pulled her back, opening her front to him before he fired again. This time, Harmon dropped to her knees.
The Taser probe, like a little arrow with a fish hook, stuck in Harmon's upper left chest. The jolt shook her.
Andrews pushed her to the ground face-first and handcuffed her in the eastbound lane of Hopkins Road. The number of witnesses across the street was growing, Harmon says.
"Are you OK? Do you need help?" Santorelli and her father yelled, according to Santorelli's statement to deputies.
"I'm not OK, and I do need help," Harmon responded. As Andrews picked her up and escorted her to his car, Harmon pleaded with the witnesses.
"Please come get my kids!" Harmon remembers yelling. The witnesses said they couldn't do that, but they asked Harmon for her home number so they could call her husband. She gave it to them.
"I wanted these strangers to get my kids, because at that point I thought they'd be safer with strangers," Harmon says. The kids sat in the car for about 40 minutes until their father arrived and took them home, which was about 500 yards away, she says.
Harmon said she wants to teach police a lesson: It's OK to admit you're wrong. She said Andrews manufactured the speeding charge once he realized she didn't deserve a cell phone ticket. Andrews had not clocked her with a radar gun. Instead, he said in a report, he calculated her speed by following her for "several seconds."
"I want the public to know these police officers apparently aren't being trained well enough to know when it is justified to use a Taser," she said.
John O'Brien can be reached at jobrien@syracuse.com or 470-2187.
This is a classic example of the ineptitude of the local Onondaga county sheriffs department, and there misleading, uninterested hierarchy. To have a deputy do this to a mother, which is clearly doing nothing wrong in the video, and the shear fact that this rookie cop had to use a taser is front of her children is absolutely despicable. This officer has been under trained by his superiors and used horrible judgment in this particular situation. I am severely disappointed once again by our so called officers of the law in Onondaga county. The sheriff's office needs to either one aggressively retrain all of its deputy on the proper use of force, or fire all the ones stupid enough that are unable to grasp the idea of proper police work.
Wake up Sheriff Walsh, the murder rate in Syracuse is climbing....try working on stuff that will make the city safer, and wont fatten your budget...
tdub, (a concerned veteran)
This deputy definitely needs an attitude adjustment. Just a guy playing cop. He is dangerous.
what a friggin clown....way to go tough guy bet that arrest made you feel good. come be a city cop and deal with some thugs instead of a middle aged white woman.
moron
What a big bad P.O.S. this guy is. This abuse is why tasers should be OUTLAWED for police use. Any wanna-be bad-ass just pulls it out for any reason. You think you're a big bad man, come on over and see what happens when you pull on someone who is your size... and then get that taser shoved down your throat! Which is what you'd get from me if you did this to my wife! FIRE THIS MALL GAURD WANNA-BE NOW!
unfortunately, there are many more gutless pieces of crap like him in uniform just waiting for a woman,child or an old man to cross them so they can try out their new tazors. they should be give their tazors and sent to patrol in Iraq or tyhe mountians of Afganastan.
why aren't deputies just handling rubber cks and delivering summons anyway, most are just trooper wanna be's that couldn,t pass the physical or mental test.
I usually don't say this, because it's sometimes tough to tell by the tape when it's just picture and no sound, but, it appears to me that the woman was not threat to the cop, and he was too quick to use the taser on her. I just don't understand why he didn't ask for her phone to look and see whether or not she was indeed telling the truth. Was there too much pride on his part?
I feel sorry for not just the woman, but her kids as well. They must be traumatized by what they saw.
I hope this never happens again, and that this cop finds another line of work. I hope that she wins this case.
"Andrews, 37, a deputy for four years, was taken off road patrol after the arrest and will remain in a new assignment until an internal affairs investigation is finished, Sheriff Kevin Walsh said. Walsh declined to comment because the case is under litigation. Andrews also would not comment. He makes $49,095 a year."
this happened in Janurary and internal affairs isn't done investigating yet, maybe Andrews isn't the only one that should be fired, how many times does the tape have to be seen to come to a conclusion?
oh i know, if they stall long enough the incident will go away.maybe.
wow what a tough cop. nice going there top cop. why didnt you tase her kids while you were at it. you shouldnt even be allowed to wear a badge. who you going to tase next gramma for jay walking.
this cop has made sure that those kids will never trust law enforcement. the 5 year old will most likely fear them, rather than count on them in an emergency.
real nice going, macho cop! do you treat your own family like that?
i hope she wins her case & i hope andrews is punished for this crap!!
this pig needs to pay for not just what he did to the mom, but for the trauma he put the children thru! I wonder how he would feel if this were his wife and children. What an insecure man he must be to have to taze a woman...while her children work all over a traffic ticket!
With all the drugs, murders, and idiots in Syracuse who actually could use a good TAZE!! why not do thier jobs and stop playing cops and robbers with decent people! Stupid pigs...that' what gives them their reputation. Sheriffs my ass! This was a boy with a toy...and he abused it. Videos don't lie. 5 miles over the speed limt? How tragic!
People need to understand that you don’t get to a police state by going through Conservatism. You get to a police state by going through Liberalism. Conservatives are for the reduction of government, including the police. Liberals want to control your actions. Its part of what Liberalism is. For Liberals, being able to control you and your actions is part of what makes them believe that the world is running properly – there are no radicals, miscreants, law breakers, ect… One method in which you create a world where you can control people and their actions is by having a strong, sometimes very strong, police force. Liberals are happy when they, as the ruling class, have the police running around constantly checking the mass’s to make sure that those mass’s are following the rules. For example, in the Liberal mindset no one pollutes the environment not because it is wrong or immoral, but because there is a strong police force monitoring everything that you do and stopping you through either physical means or non physical intimidation before you do something. Now of course these rules never apply to the ruling class themselves, you see they are exempt.
This story is an example of a very strong police force operating without checks and balances. They see themselves as the “Enforcers” that a Liberal government wants, and thereby believe that they can stand upon high and make self righteous decisions without fear of reprimand. How many of those of us who aren’t police would treat someone like this. Pull them over, accuse them of doing things without concern of proof, give them a fine and say “I’m not responsible. Don’t talk to me about it”. And on top of that use a taser as a though it “showed them who’s boss”. This kind of behavior by a police force comes off as oppressive rule like that of World War II Germany to many people. But you see Liberals don’t view it that way. They see actions similar to the ones described in this story as making sure that the world is running properly. If you want to change the way police act you need to change your political leaders. But be warned, a society that suddenly takes away a strong police force without having citizens who have some kind of “rules of morality” becomes chaotic like the old west.
The job of a police force is to serve and protect the public. The job of a military is to protect the state from its enemies. When the military becomes the police, the public becomes the enemy of the state.
He should be fired and it's a shame he isn't charged with felony assault. It appears his ego got in the way of good judgment.
Deputy Andrews;
The following people are not to be Tazed.....
Lil' Ole men, Lil' ole women, grandmothers, grandfathers, people in wheelchairs, people with walkers, Lil' children, housewives getting their kids back from soccer games/practice, the same with fathers, people on gurneys' being transported to the hospital,(this one should be self evident). If I've missed one or two, well try to use your best judgement. (apparently in your case, that's an oxymoron)
The following people SHOULD be Tazed.....
Thugs with guns (this one you can take out any way you can, knives, clubs, thieves, lesters, swindlers, drunk people, people doped up on PCP, coke, LSD, etc, etc. Once again, if I missed any, well you know.....
I hope this lil' advice (list) helps you out in your future endeavers....and good luck!
(sarcasm)
the officer should be tasered himself for his poor actions...this story is going national...
Get this cop OFF the streets! He is clearly a danger to our society. Why isnt he terminated already?
rng88 - this has nothing to do w/ your fantasies, stayed tuned to Fox News for more talking points as you likely can't come up with your own.
Give an idiot a badge and a brushcut, he thinks he rules the world...
This is what happens when you put guns or tazers in the hands of outlaws. Yes outlaws this guy is nothing but an outlaw. I hope she nails them for some serious cash, I would love to see guys like this one on one and see how tough they are. The beating this chump would receive from me if he did that to my wife would alst him a lifetime. His next meal would be thru a tube! Loser.
Holy Cow! I hope that revenue generating donkey is safely employed at the jail where he won't terrorize anymore taxpayers. All this BS over a perceived telephone call.
rng88, That's some logic. I'm fairly liberal but the police state in C.N.Y. is out of control and I'm not happy about it.
I think some of these cops are becoming a little over zealous ,where are they getting them from,and what kind of training do they get 5 mins worth.
They are using these tazors like a hand shake anymore.
I hate to think of how many more of these kinds of cops have been hired just to fill a quota,give some of them a badge and gun and some how they think they can do what they want and when they want and for no reason.
The part that got me too was where he pulled her down on the street in the middle of the road,what if a car had come down through at that point and ran over her.
Now she should of kept her mouth shut and taken the ticket and fought it at court,or maybe we should all start having our own video cameras in our vehicles to protect ourselves from this kind of bogus arrest and rambo type cops they have been hiring.
ummm....if she had gotten back in the van after the first time he asked her to, this wouldn't have happened.....
"why i oughtta" knock this little cop punk out... yeah this lady is a real threat. Take this story national and put it on good morning america,then we'll see how long Andrews lasts... buh bye piggy beyotch
I dont think this cop should be a patrolman any more OBVIOUSLY he cannot control his anger towards people. I doubt hell lose his job and I doubt shell retain any $$ for this incident BUT he should be lowered in his work and reduced in pay too.
You all realize that if she "nails them for big cash" that this money comes from us right? Just thought I'd ask... it's not like she's suing a private company here.
I'm not saying it's not justified, obviously this guy has some serious issues and this is something terrible that should have never happened.
a few years ago I was pulled over for allegedly being on my phone too... the cop saw a light near my face, and when he pulled me over, I explained that I had been lighting my cigarette. I had my headset on my ear (the old school ones at the time) and it was plugged into my phone which was laying on my passenger seat. When I was pulled over I also offered to show the cop my call log to prove I wasn't on the phone and he copped an attitude saying it didn't matter because he "OBSERVED" me. I was like wow really? He ended up writing me two tickets - one for the cell phone and another for litering b/c of my cigarette. Yeah, I wrote a letter and mailed my phone log to the DA, along with a mapquest of where I was when I was supposedly on the phone to where I was pulled over (.3 miles) and highlighted the time of being pulled over from the ticket. Everything got dropped b/c I was able to prove that it was not possible that I was on my phone. Cops can't seem to admit when they're wrong, and definitely have no interest in letting the person they've pulled over explain or prove them wrong for fear of looking like a jackass.... well, mr cop's, you'd look like less of a jackass if you didn't go through with writing a ticket just to be proved wrong in the end!
LOOKS LIKE THE OFFICER WAS ALITTLE UPSET AND WENT ALITTLE TOO FAR.HE SHOULD BE FIRED NOW.THATS TOO BAD.
HE IS NOT POLICE MATERIAL.
SHE WILL SUE AND WIN.
I FOR ONE WILL NEVER GET OUT OF MY CAR.
Walsh is an elected official. If he doesn't fire this guy, then someone should run against him.
Yes, the taxpayer pays, but whatever it costs, should come out of Walsh's budget.
Holy cow. If this had been S. Salina St. and you had the EXACT SAME video, but the person in the van was black, the people in this forum would be applauding.
The level of hypocrisy in this forum - and the utter inability to recognize it - is staggering.
Aren't you the same group of people who, just a few weeks ago, argued that a cop was justified in pulling a man off his own porch for yelling?
The Onondaga County Sheriffs Department if famous for treating each situation as if it were a SWAT situation. Something should be done to rein these idiots in. Their over zealous reactions are going to get someone killed.
This lady disrespected the officer , running her mouth and passing herself as the victim.
If you pulled her over and she is preventing you from doing your job with verbal harrassment, What would you do?
If the officer is trying to arrest you and you are resisting , how Would you handle it?
HE STILL HAS A JOB! $50K a year for a common criminal and Onondaga county taxpayers and caring for him.
A tiny fraction of a percentage are "heros" The rest are just dolts who often cannot find any other type of work.
This high and mighty attitude is going to end.
Internal Affairs never finish there investigations until after the lawsuit, it would give the jury a cause to find for the defendant.
The bigger issues is does anyone really believe that in this officer's four (4) years of service, that this is his 1st bad act??
If anyone has been abused by this officer's tactics , even if previously they plead guilty to a lesser charge (for time and financial reasons (not true guilt) to make the district attorneys office keep their win ratio record, needs to come forward now.
What other job (besides our government), does the employer keep the employee, when the public perception for the company, from such an act, is so outrageous.
Sorry but everybody knows you don't get out of your car when an officer pulls you over unless they ASK you to get out of your car.
She then ignored his requests for her to get BACK INTO THE CAR 3 times. She deserved to get tazed. When will people learn?
rbg88:
Yeah, that's why that stinkin' liberal Richard Nixon had an enemies list! That's why Bush/Cheney, those liberal creeps, decide to ignore the Constitution and illegally spy on regular citizens. Yeah, it's all the "liberals" fault. I'll bet you anything Officer Andrews is a member of the ACLU.
This is what we get for $50,000 a year???? A guy who struggles to administer a cell phone / speeding ticket. He feels the need to have to taser a soccer Mom. WOW!! He needs to be dismissed immediately. Hopefully the union will do the right thing and NOT stand by this clown.
To all the good LEO's out there, thank you for your service. This guy went way overboard and his career is deservedly done.
Just remember, LEO is made up of humans just like us and there are bad apples that make it through.
As for the posters re: go patrol Syracuse, Syracuse has it's own PD. The sheriff's dept. patrols the county. Although, maybe the city could use their help.......
Buh bye lying wimp Andrews. I hope your brothers in blue get you in an alley and make you black & blue.
It's outrageous! The rogue deputy ought to be fired and publicly horsewhipped! They all should have regular screenings for mental heath, PTSD, substance abuse, etc.
I'm reserving judgment until I hear the officer's side of the story (I know, I'm weird like that).
You can't get an unbiased view of the situation when Ms. Harmon is narrating.
The moment that woman refused to get back in her car, she put the officer in a potentially dangerous situation. He has no idea what her intentions are, or whether she's that 1 out of 100 individual that could become violent with him.
Audra Harmon brought her being tasered twice on herself.....
This spoiled mouthy itch got out of her minivan demanding that the officer do what she wanted him to do....
Harmon refused to comply with his commands....
"I just wanted to get back in my car where I was safe and where my kids were,"
So Kiddies remember that!
Stay in the vehicle during a traffic stop and comply with the officer......
It's not supposed to be used to take down people who pose no threat, she said.
Make no unauthorized movements that can be considered threatening towards the officer....
What a great video (on how not to act during a traffic stop) to be shown in the drivers ed classes.....
a school bus driver for 11 years, maybe her employer should review the complaints made by students and parents and consider removing Audra Harmon from driving school bus.....
where are all the cop lovers now?
ROADPATROL WHAT SAY YOU?
are overweight moms in a mini vans the new threat to public saftey? oh, that's right, what's public saftey got to do with ANYTHING?!? serve and protect... more like lie and decieve... or abuse and denie...
I really feel for this lady. These guys think they are Gods. I can't imagine why he would feel so threatened by a mother driving her 2 kids in suburbia! Why are they harassing good citizens and not the real criminals. Some time ago I got stopped + ticketed for "speeding". Deputy Heck said I was 20 miles over the speed limit which was totally impossible as it occurred between 2 traffic lights (approx 400 ft apart) on Rt. 31 which I had stopped for! He offered NO explanation and wouldn't answer any of my questions. He was the MOST ARROGANT little man I've met! Until now I had respect for these guys but no more!! It was the last day of the month and I do know they have a quota to meet! There is no more Officer Friendly!
HELLO did anyone on here WATCH the video I did not feel he( Andrews ) did anything wrong its classic "she" feels she has the RIGHT to get out of her van and ARGUE the ticket only one of you on here had it right "IF SHE STAYED IN THE F@#$ VAN SHE NEVER WOULD HAVE ENDED UP ON THE GROUND " Oh YEA BIG TOUGH MOMMA GONNA SHOW BIG BAD SHERIFF WHO IS BOSS so lets get out and tell HIM where to go!! JUST LIKE ALL THE OTHER IDIOTS OUT THERE WHO FEEL BEAT DOWN BY THE COPS I'll SUE AND CRY POOR O'L LITTE ME AND TRY TO GET $$$$$$ OUT OF IT! stop blaming Andrews and lets look again at the vid. "stay in van go home with no problem" simple!
The deputy should be terminated. No question. But the poor victim should have gotten an attorney that is respected in the court system. That makes a lot of difference. Good luck wth T.H.
The guys a psycho.he came to my house once because i was in driveway making noise working on car . i walked away he hit me in face with his flashlight.everyone in neighborhood was afraid of him because of his actions towards people.give him the feeling of power and intimidation when he has that uniform on.
Is anyone really surprised by this.Like any group of employees theres always a percentage of bad apples that use thier authority inappropiately.This apple is not only bad but rotten.Granted she was wrong to get out of the car, and its prbably best not to argue with an officer of the law. just take the ticket and deal with it later.I hope she wins this case,and hope his superiors discharge him from his duties.
Is anyone really surprised by this.Like any group of employees theres always a percentage of bad apples that use thier authority inappropiately.This apple is not only bad but rotten.Granted she was wrong to get out of the car, and its prbably best not to argue with an officer of the law. just take the ticket and deal with it later.I hope she wins this case,and hope his superiors discharge him from his duties.
The bottom line in this incident is the sad fact that we give extraordinary power to people who are not educated enough to appropriately handle that power. No one with only a two year degree should be in such a position.
Furthermore, many police officers seem to think that they work for the "Police Dept." or for the "State", instead of understanding they work for the "Citizenry."
Officers like this clown should be made an example of and fired. Unfortunately, many police departments close ranks and protect their own.
It's up to the public to constantly monitor and pressure the police into conducting themselves in a proper manner. Police are not an entity unto themselves.
The outrage expressed on this issue is indeed heartening.
Posted by actress on 08/13/09 at 7:32AM
I really feel for this lady. These guys think they are Gods. I can't imagine why he would feel so threatened by a mother driving her 2 kids in suburbia!
---
actress,
Please tell us who exactly an officer should and should not feel threatened by (since a Mom in suburbia isn't on the list)? Perhaps you could email this to the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department so they can update their policies and procedures.
This goes to show you the level of professionalism of these guys..seeing the size of this lady..compared to him..plus with two children in the back..The OCSO'S road patrol has long been a thorn in the side of the law enforcement community. Syracuse Police broke ties with them on the joint Police academy years ago because of this arrogance. The Sheriffs Road Patrol is a major tax burden on the county. The Sheriffs Office is only required to house inmates not run the roads, fly the sky's or jamm around on jet ski's. Wake up Onondaga County..let your elected officials know that your tired of high tax bills to fund swat teams that shoot kids, cops who use crack and beat their kids.
Was this guy trained by toughguy "woks" "wacks" "wicks" something like that. I recall he was another sheriff's real bad a--. OOOOOOOh I'm scared. Put stubbie on it he"ll screw everyone. Good job Walsh ! Get rid of road patrol don't need it. The good working deputies should go for a COUNTY POLICE DEPARTMENT get rid of kiss up politics.
rng88
Take you Anti-Liberal rants someplace else.
The fact is its the Conservatives that would cause a Police State and its the true Liberals that would not allow this Police Officer to act this way.
But you are so blinded by the BS you are fed you could never see that.
Sorry, but I am one of the people with an opinion in the minority on this page. I can understand that she may have been scared, but wouldn't you obey the officer? The first thing she should have done was sat her butt back in the driver's seat. I agree with a poster above, doesn't everyone know you don't get out unless the officer tells you to?
She has two children in the car....what is she teaching them by not listening to the commands of a police officer? You don't have to listen if you don't want to?
If you are a police officer on the road and someone gets out of the car when they haven't been told to, the officer is going to be on the defensive. He may have gone overboard with using the taser, but if she had done as the officer had told her in the first place, the whole scene could have been avoided. Go to court and fight your tickets in court. Innocent until proven guilty (or so they say)!
While I disagree with the actions of this Police Officer there are FAR too many people who believe they can do what they want, when they want it when a Police Officer give you instructions.
She should have done what the Police Officer told her to do and then complain. But of course by acting like a child throwing a temper tantrum she is giving a great example to her kids. Just act out and screem and yell and you will get away with anything.
The bottom line, she should have done as instructed and deal with it later.
Justsosad:
Glad you have your 4yr. degree - I'm sure you're a much better officer because of it. Still, an associates degree is all that is required for becoming a police officer and that should be changed to at least a bachelor's degree. I bet you agree.
Also, thank you for your military service.
There is no audio for this video. We are assuming that Ms. Harmon's description of her and Officer Andrews interaction played out exactly the way she describes it in the interview. If she engaged him in a hostile or threatening manner, do you really think she would admit that in an interview with the Post-Standard?
Again, I think it's impossible to judge this situation without hearing Officer Andrews side of the story.
I just sent this link to CNN. I suggest everyone do the same. The country needs to see this abuse.
Who gets out of their car during a traffic stop? I was taught when I first took to the road at age 16 that you never get out of the car unless an officer tells you to - END OF STORY!
This lady is suing probably because she is embarrassed as to how stupid she is - the minute you get out of that car, that officer has no idea if you are trying to kill him, run away, or just acting like a complete fool.
You have got to be kidding! The video made me sick to watch! This guy obviously gets his kicks out of over powering women! This guy should no longer be a cop. The video says it all. She didn't do anything wrong. And the cops wonder why we don't trust them. throw the book at the Sheriff's Dept and get this guy out. That is a bunch of crap what he did to her with her kids in the car!!
The woman was wrong. Liveshere is absolutely right. Professor Gates had almost the exact same scenario. Mouthing off to the police, etc. Yet you applauded Gates being handcuffed, now the cop's the villian now that the victim is a middle aged white woman with kids. Now I will await the whole "This is a different situation" argument, when really, they are very similar.
Tasers were supposed to be the go-to alternative to using deadly force with a gun. This crap happens all over the country. Instead of their intended use, cops seem to think it's better to use a taser instead of reason.
Cops have a tough job - it's easy to understand that they think their lives are on the line when someone gets out of their car after being stopped. But tasers have led to abuse of law enforcement's power.
We are quickly becoming a police state, thanks to the Bush AND Obama administrations because there is no accountability and no one gives up the power they've been handed by their predecessor.
It's time to outlaw and destroy all tasers.
Wow, nice job Andrew!!! NOT! They should have now is re-training each year to learn NOT to do that type of thing again! Remember that Deaf man who was signing and the DeWitt Cop thought he was trouble? Sounds familiar and guess what? He resigned! And the DeWitt Police Department calls him daily with an apology!
The Sherriff's Department needs to FIRE Andrew who IS THE criminal himself and or arrest him, period. I do not like they let them go work on a desk duty or suspended with pay. NO! Any criminal acts by law enforcement only proven by videos SHALL get those officers be arrested at once and no pay, period. Arrest officers now then have IA investigation. All law enforcement officers should get same treatment as the general public, no excuses when you have a badge.
Sean Andrews, we request you resgin from the Sherriff's Department. Now we all know you did this and you shall never find another job. We will make sure all businesses and stores or even another police department never hire you or they will be faced with boycott. Right now, we will with Onondaga County. If Walsh can not fire him, he just lost his re-election! THINK TWICE WALSH!! Idiots!
Yes, I agree with rng about how the police state works. Yes, the LEFTIES love to control the society. Any of you disagree you do not know what you are doing to America then! Clearly you have not been to 3rd world nations, totaltarian states, dicatorship countries, and communist countries yet. Rng is correct and I am sorry you do not know because I KNOW! I saw it and heard from people myself, period! How could you say you do not agree with rng when China and Bruma/mymmaar(sp) are arresting poltiical prisioners and abuse them? What about last week with the SEIU that is sided with OUR Dictator of the United Socialist States of America abused a black conservative man RIGHT HERE IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!?
NITWITS! This is why I believe we needs to have all Americans learn the dangers of being a Leftie such as Socialism, Communissm, and the like. I am glad I learned how bad it is from the book 1984 however, they should have told all of us that it is VERY BAD AND DANGEROUS WORLD OUT THERE WITH THAT TOTALITARIANISM! Therefore when I win election, I will reverse course and reduce law enforcement presence and reverse all the Dictator of USSA's (not mistyped) policies and will establish a program for all of us to learn that it is evil to be on the Left!
I will remember Andrews and I will make sure as sworn, that he is being arrested and arranged. I will also have that lady's criminal record dismissed.
Have a nice day Lefties with all that anger you have!!! Ohhh you need the police to come over to your house to calm your anger and arrest you?? Smile!! I know I am gonna have a nice day all is calm!
It appears that the P force is trying to keep him on the force by hoping this would go away and not doing an investigation. Eight months is quite a while to stand on your hands and not have a complete investigation done. Must be the fine Force cant produce better personnel as they cant do their own job correctly.
I wonder how many other officers on the force act like this one? Once they put on a uniform their mind set changes to better than thou. I hope this woman wins a large award and sues for her and her children.
In the end if they dont find this officer unworthy of his uniform and fire him, then we all should be worried the next time we are pulled over.
I usually don't have much good to say about cops. Most of them are just arrogant jerks that love to feel powerful, not highly educated, etc. BUT.....everyone here is saying "those poor kids will never trust a cop again" and "the cop is completely in the wrong"....give me a break.....this was a woman that either a) is such a redn#ck that she "ain't gonna do what no cop says" or b) thinks that a cop would/should treat a woman differently than a man. I would NEVER refuse to get back in my car if a cop clearly told me to (any idiot knows you are NEVER supposed to get out of your car unless asked)....then she refuses to get out of the car!!!!!????? Good for the cop for teaching this idiot that you LISTEN to cops, it isn't negotiable when a cop tells you to do something like get out, don't get out, etc....the ONLY thing I think this cop did wrong was treat her a little rough once she was starting to lay down as asked. This is the typical "I'm gonna sue and get rich" type of person......no doubt she's contacting the "heavy hitters" to try to cash in, hoping that the County will give her a wad of money to make it go away. I hope the courts use her as an example and don't give her a dime and simply say "next time, you'll listen when a cop tell you to get back in your car won't you?" All this woman did was teach her kids to DEFY the law....yeah that's right kids, if a cop ever tells you to do something you don't want to do just go and tell him to kiss your azz. White trash mom.
What! Are there no innocent black motorists in Onondaga County that the sherriffs can tase? They have to resort to tasing white suburban moms? What is the world coming to.
what???? there are actually people here who think the woman is at fault?? This country has been sliding into a police state since 9/11, and this is just more evidence.
Sad story, I feel so bad for the 15 yr old boy, who probably wanted to protect his mom. Nice job making yet another youngster hate the cops.
She was wrong,wrong. She should have just stayed in the vehicle regardless. He told her to get in the car, she followed him. He told her to get out she refused. WRONG WRONG WRONG.How do we know she didn`t have a gun to shot him when she got out. Mybe she went back to get her gun. BIG BAD MOM
How dreadful for that woman. You know without thinking and being innocent of the trumped up charges, I might have wanted to follow the so called 'cop' to his car and try to explain the
situation. That's the kind of thing women are prone to doing. She didn't look like a big threat to him and she had her two children with her, one of them being very young, or didn't Andrews even observe them being so intent on restraing this very dangerous female criminal? As far as her case goes...I hope she wins every penny of it, I believe the County pays insurance for that sort of thing so it already probably has come out of our pockets. Must be Andrews didn't have his quota for the week so he had to make up for lost time.
Fire this guy!
Must be he had met his quota of busting drug dealers and rapists for the month and had to get just one more in the "Taser Practice" column. She should've just went along with dippy and dealt with it later, but everything else aside, if that were my wife and kids, I'd be taking that taser and putting it where his head is to keep it company.
The video looks like this was near the firehouse was it? Bet he just came from the firehouse and had his donuts and coffee.I think he has been watching to many episodes of cops.he should have his donut and cop show privelages take from him for a year. That would ruin him and drive him mad.Maybe he had a hard night and his wife and him were arguing so he took it out on the first women he seen.OH ya thats right he is divorced andhe hates women and kids in general, all his problems are their fault.Now he has a cushiony desk job. poor guy what punishment. Maybe he should be charged with assault with a deadly weapon and spend a month looking out of his cell.
This crap is going on everywhere. In 2007 Jefferson County, NY, at a traffic accident, a local P.O.S instigated an assault on a person who simply was a passenger in the accident. The car involved held 3 teenagers, no drugs, no alcohol...just a damn accident. Four police cars were present, responding to the accident ( 1 trooper, 1 sheriff, 2 locals ) All squad cars late model. We don't know if any cameras were rolling because the NYS Attorney General representative, John Sullivan, did not actively pursue any investigation. That is our representation. Now Sullivan aspires to a hire office ???? The local P.O.S. still harasses the public and he is still corrupt, as he lied in his statements ( a felony ). I am sorry for the many decent police on the rosters, but our government covets the corrupt and allows their incompetent protection outside our laws.
So, why exactly did she get out of the van in the first place? To see the video tape? Does she think this is the NFL and there is instant replay?
What we have here is a complete loss of perspective, what Captain Kirk would call "delusions of godhood."
IT takes two to TANGO...if you are the cop or themom you should use your PRACTICAL INTELLIGENCE to handle the situation; neither person did that.
The cop should be fired for over reacting and the mom's case should be thrown out for not following directions. The minimum she should have at least acted like a mature, reasonable mom in front of her kids.
To put it bluntly, both people acted like IDIOTS. There are no winners here and there should be no winners here, either way!
Charge the Officer with "Endangering the Welfare of a Child". I mean come on, two kids in the car watching what was happening to their mother. If the law gets a call on a domestic call they don't hesitate to make that call if children are present. It is a sad state of affairs when you see something like this. Communities need to get together - demand changes in law enforcement - go after the real CRIMINALS!
I feel sorry for what happened to this family. This trauma will remain with that family - let alone getting the trust back.
Obviously there's three sides to the story, hers, his and then the truth's. Yes, she could have potentially avoided this had she just stayed in the vehicle. But he could have handled this differently as well. He obviously lacks judgement of situations and should be reprimanded. He is NOT what the sheriffs need. A tough cop is one thing, a bully is another.
I too was pulled over for speeding in Salina once. I was going 5 mph over the limit. I had just come back from burying my father. I admitted I was speeding, the cop asked me where I was coming from and he sarcastically said yeah sure, you're lying. (I had been crying from the funeral, any idiot could see my blotchy face) He then proceeded to walk around my vehicle and knock on the headlights and taillights with his police stick then asked me to turn my signals on. He was on a power trip and looking back I should have filed a complaint. Given my grief, I just wanted to get home.
Right or wrong, these types of cops give the loyal servants a bad name.
tjw82:
Gates was on his own property. As soon as the officer realized that and realized no crime had been committed he should have left Gates house - regardless of anything Gates said - PERIOD!
"Mouthing off to police" does not warrant being tasered. Have you ever heard of "Free Speech"?
If I want to tell an officer he's a jackass I have a perfect right to do so as long as I am not physically threatening him/her.
I am amazed at people who so blithely succumb to authority. Thank God our Founding Fathers didn't!
Are you kidding me, critic? Listen to the cop? what, regardless of what they're saying?? she was falsely accused, and she knew it! she wasn't on the phone, and then it became 50 in a 45?? Police State. Let's see, cops can talk on cell phones while driving (because THEY'VE been trained...lol), and they can drive like maniacs without lights and siren (because THEY'VE been trained...lol again). unbelieveable, the guy's a bully and i'll bet there are people who know him who are reading this and they're not surprised.
I'm glad so many posters saw both sides of the story, sure the deputy was an insecure jerk, and the woman was street-stupid.
no doubt in another neighborhood, the action and the comments would have been different.
anyway, the buck stops at the top: I didn't vote for Walsh and never will.
I wonder if this is the same jerk who said my wife rolled through a stop sign in our neighborhood a few years ago. He treated her like she just robbed a bank. When he told her he had her on tape she insisted to see the tape. After he went back to his car he refused to show her the tape and told her to take it up in court.
Posted by endswell on 08/13/09 at 7:55AM
I just sent this link to CNN. I suggest everyone do the same. The country needs to see this abuse.
I suggest sending it to FOX like i did, CNN is part of the problem and problay wouldn'r show it anyway, they're in the tank for the police state.
She got a ticket for a 50 in a 45? hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha. That should hold up in court.
Make the world a better place and punch a crooked cop in the face. : )
"Charge the Officer with "Endangering the Welfare of a Child". I mean come on, two kids in the car watching what was happening to their mother."
Yeah, you're a real genius ClearChoice....next time someone wants to smuggle drugs, rob a bank, speed, or break any law, all they should do is bring the kids with them....so the big bad cop doesn't do anything like arrest them for defying a law enforcement officer's demand. Next time I'm carting 50 pounds of dope around I'll just throw a couple toddlers in the van and if I get arrested they have to charge the cop with endangering the kids....moron.
This area is out of control! I used to be a person that thought, well, soemtimes this stuff is warranted. Clearly, it is not. Maybe this guys should take his little tin star off and deal with this woman's husband one on one? The cops around here lie and all the rest swear to it! Maybe something will happen now. A middle class white woman gets yanked out of her white mini van in the middle of Salina. Fire this disgusting pig of a cop and lets retool the way things are done.
The only time she obstructs traffic from what I can see, is when he throws her in the middle of the road! This guys is full of BS! Classic case of she could prove him wrong. Like Johnny on the spot, he needed to accuse her of something else. Remember these guys are usually not the brightest bulbs on the tree.
Years ago people from downstate used to say, if you want to commit a serious crime, go to Syracuse. Gee, I wonder why?
This guy is a piece of crap. Big tough guy with his badge. Police like this should not be on the streets or allowed to ever wear a badge. Makes me sick.
"Are you kidding me, critic? Listen to the cop? what, regardless of what they're saying?? she was falsely accused, and she knew it!"
LOL ROFLMAO....everyone KNOWS theeeeeeey didn't do anything wrong. Reminds me of a funny line in, I think, Trading Places with Dan Akroyd. He's in jail and tells the guard "I am innocent"...and the guard laughs and says something like "yeah, so is everyone else".
No doubt the cop saw some unattractive woman in a pos white minivan drive by and decided "today, I'm gonna hassle me some soccermom".
two things of interest for me. did anyone check the date this happened. jan 31 the end of the month. must be that he hadn't reached his ticket quota yet and needed more. and if anyone doesn't believe that there isn't a quota i have a bridge for you to buy. second he wrote a ticket on an assumption of speed which is i believe illegal now.
how this man ever became a police officer is beyond me. there is a system of checks that have to be done before he is even allowed to become a trainee. the system is broken right there. this person has no common sense to start with and how he passed that part of the test is beyond me.although no voic was on the tape ,the action of the police officer was immediately of madness,and this person was gonna pay one way or another. completely ridiculous as i watched it. this police officer was wrong from the start and never mind avout being put on a desk job. he should have been fired immediately and then if proven wrong,reinstated.there is no room for a idiot like him to be on the police force.if this man would have done this to my wife the taser would be someplace where the sun don't shine with the trigger jamed on. sheriff walsh wake up and get this man off the force immediately and make him give back his salary since the day it happened. if not you may not have a job the next time elections roll around or better yet let see if we can get him out of office now.
innocent people with heart conditions can be killed by tasers, yet someone violent on pcp will keep right on going. use of tasers must be monitored and re-evaluated.
I'd like to get some feedback from LEOs on that.
Wow,
I'm usually the one who gets yelled at for taking the side of the law, but...
Unless this woman's story is completely fabricated, I think this officer should beg for her forgiveness.
Its apparent to me he was covering up for a bad traffic stop/arrest.
Too bad, because this mess could have been avoided if hee would have listened to her before he acted.
I have dealt with the police on maybe 15 occasions, usually for speeding. And every officer has been cordial (except for one complete jerk, thus I avoid Baldwinsville whenever I can). It only takes one to set a bad example!
Now I do not agree with what the deputy did, however , HOW MANY THINK THIS WOMAN IS A FINE UPSTANDING CITIZEN, WITH GET MORAL VALUES, WHO WAS ON HER WAY TO BAKE AN APPLE PIE FOR HER CHILD. She looks like a foul mouth woman who knows how to use the four letter words. However it still does not allow the deputy to use a laser. This is all becasue Pita and those do not want to see resisting arrests and blackjacks or nightsticks.Right PIta you libereal clown.
MESSAGE TO SHERIFF WALSH--- Why is this piece of crap still working on our dime? 50 grand a year for being a moron? I hope this lady has a top lawyer out of NYC On top of that to film it with his own camera come on folks let the sheriff know what you think Perhaps Walsh has been in that position too long or the police union is protecting him
Pita, tothemoon, liberal,
Maybe they should sit down and have a beer together to easy this problem.
Sean, you are nothing more than a worthless filthy PIG. Do you feel like a BIG BOY now????? If you are married I am sure your wife must be real proud of you. I hope you are FIRED with no benefits. Also you should get tasered in your neck, repeatedly just for fun. Did you think she was going to hurt you, fight you, run from you????? You are a true punk sissy!!!!
If you are stupid enough to get out of your car and approach an officer, you deserve what you get. It's common sense. Right or wrong the officer becomes judge and jury when you do stupid things like this. He did show very poor decision making ability. Call for backup.
Why is everyone blaming the Cop? She was the one who got out of her car, she was the one who did not comply, all she had too do is get back in the car. She would have maybe gotten a traffic infraction. The place to argue a ticket is NOT the side of the road. I am not a police officer nor am I some activist, however, all she had to do was get back in her car instead of try to argue a ticket.
I'll say it again, because TJW82 was the only one who picked it up.
If you had the EXACT SAME video, but the person in the van was black, the people in this forum would be applauding this cop and SCREAMING about the fact that she is thinking about suing! Just for fun you'd probably be making sarcastic remarks about the women's children, too.
The level of hypocrisy in this forum - and the utter inability to recognize it - is staggering.
Aren't you the same group of people who, just a few weeks ago, argued that a cop was justified in pulling a man off his own porch for yelling?
HaHa stiffinp, I know who you mean in B'ville, and he used to be a sheriff's deputy! I agree!
in front of the kids..what a piece of work this guy is..serve an protect..i think that what it says..not abuse and victimize innocent people..this what happen when somebody gets to much power over others goes to their head an anything could happen
Just like i,ve been saying all along cops gone power jerks.Internal affairs IS A JOKE and most cops when you mention it laugh,they know it,s a group of cops who oversee the blue coed of cops.all they,ll do is hide the guy for a while then they,ll slip him in some other patrol or dt when we all forget. Isn,t joanie ultimately his boss FIRE HIM joanie FIRE him JOANIE.
get back in the car!!...ok now get out of the car..i wanna taze you.
After reading all the comments, criticisms, and cries of foul play so far, I'm wondering first: who at the Post Standard or whoever monitors this comment section and allowed that officer's address to be published????? Right or wrong, let the court and his superiors decide his fate, not going vigilante and somehow indirectly threating his home or family. How would you like to have all your addresses published for others to "get back at you" for perceived wrongdoings, difference of opinions, and just in general shooting your mouthes off?? How many people here go to public meetings and write legitimate letters to the people in charge, like councilmen, senators, the Mayor, the County Execs office, etc? I dare you to get involved, not be some armchair commentator making threats and crying out, "off with his head!", like it's the middle ages. Yes, voice your concerns and EDUCATED opinions in these venues for others to take into consideration to help them decide how they should view the subject and its merits. Not that anyone wants hear my opinion after that, but, obviously mistakes were made on both sides. Perhaps both of them and all of us can be a little more educated or re-educated to procedures and laws, and what not to do when being pulled over by an Officer of the LAW. Over-zealous? Maybe, but if everyone out there is so good at pointing out a bad cop then why don't you apply to the academy and show us how it's done. At first glance it's easy to make a harsh judgement, but what if that woman was one in a million and was on hopped up on PCP or was some wanted criminal or something and decided to open a can of Rambo on his a** and pull out a .38 special all of a sudden? It's no where near a police state when it's a generally understood "law" that you don't get out of the car when being pulled over for a traffic stop. Maybe when it's all said and done Obama can invite both of them up to the Whitehouse for a cupla beers.
Ok, she shouldn't have gotten out of her car, regardless. If she hadn't gotten out of her car in the beginning, this wouldn't have happened. Not to say what happened was fair, right or just. BUT she should have stayed in her car and fought the ticket in court. I would never talk to a Police Office the way she did and I wouldn't have gotten out of my car. You take the ticket and deal with it after.
Sent to every tv station
CNN
NBC
CBS
ABC
Now lets see how he gets out of this. Walsh you need to fire him and arrest him for POLICE BRUTALITY.
This is going to cost the county allot of Money.
The cop should have put a sock over the camera if he's going to pull a stunt like that. What an idiot.
oh wow!! are u serious!! i've watched this and sickened by it! who the hell is this cop and how did he get this job?? this guy should go straight to fkn.. jail.
what a waste of a human being.
This is absolutely DISGUSTING. I hope she gets a helluva payout. FIRE the inept cop!
What a friggin' piece of crap. Tough guy! If I was theis lady's 15-yr-old son I would have been out of that car in a heartbeat after seeing/hearing what this worthless, power tripping, "protector and server" was doing. Please relieve this man of his position.
I just saw a cop this morning... Talking on his cell phone trying to look and make a left turn into traffic. I was just waiting for this police officer to cause an accident.
CHIEF OF POLICE WAKE UPPPPPPPPPPPPPP. WE SEE YOUR OFFICERS BREAKING THE LAW EVERYDAY... EVERYDAY OUT HERE. WAKE UP AND HANDLE IT BEFORE YOU HAVE A D.O.A. CAUSED BY ONE OF YOUR OFFICERS. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I cannot figure out why everyone is bashing all cops. Are there a few bad apples? Absolutely. Does that mean they are all bad? Absolutely not.
When I get pulled over by a police officer, the first thing I do is put myself in their shoes.
I'm in their territory. I probably did something wrong. As a matter of fact, in every instance of ever being pulled over I cannot ever say that I did not have a reason for being pulled over. Inevitably I was violating some traffic law. Does that mean they have a right to harrass me? Of course not. But I also know that their day is full of unruly people screaming epithets and doing crazy things.
I know someone is going to have an issue with the "territory" comment but to put it in perspective, do you argue with your doctor when he tells you something is wrong? Do you argue with your boss when he tells you he needs something done and he needs it yesterday? Do you tell the phone lineman or the cable guy how to make connections at the pole? Probably not.
These men and womens' job is to protect and serve. When they approach you they're probably on edge and have no idea who you are or what your intentions are but they still have to uphold the law. By doing simple things you can put them more at ease when they approach you. They tend to relax when they see you're not a threat. They have split seconds to make decisions on you, your personality and what it is they may be encountering.
You can also do things that are going to heighten their suspicions and make the alarm bells go off. Being nasty or beligerent, getting out of your vehicle without being asked, flailing around, etc., probably puts them into hyper-security mode.
I have only met one cop (not in NY) that was a jerk. He was fresh out of the academy and was still with a training officer who stayed in the patrol car.
I don't know exactly what went down, especially without the audio but I tend to give the officers the benefit of the doubt in most cases. People tend to become emotional and excited when stopped especially if they think they're getting a ticket. Ms. Harmon, next time, for your own safety and the officer's, please do not exit your vehicle for any reason, unless requested.
"in front of the kids" boooohooooo, "not in front of the kids!!!!!"....law enforcement knows that ANYone with kids in their car is perfectly innocent. This woman is trailertrash....now she's had her 15 minutes. It's called RESISTING ARREST!!!!!! usually a charge saved for drunk idiots and people on crack....but this woman should get some sort of "break" (and cash) because SHE drives a minivan with kids in it, so therefore, she is above the law. I'm not shcoked at all (no pun intended) that the majority of Syracusans think the cop was completely in the wrong.....that's the kind of general opinions you get in depressed cities because people in cities like Syracuse hate authority. When this soccermom shows up in court, taze her again....no doubt she'll bring the kids for "show", probably squeeze out a few tears too and her sleazy lawyers will tell her to wear a neckbrace to "seal the deal".
Answer this question, Would you get out of your car if you were pulled over? Most of you would answer no. After watching this video no one should ever get out of their car. It seems to me that Mrs. Harmon might have been having a bad day and so was Deputy Andrews. In my opinion this is both their fault. She definitely made his job much more difficult. I don't think he should have used his taser on her, that was a bit over the edge. She was upset he pulled her over he was upset she didn't listen. Both of you are wrong. She shouldn't win a lawsuit because she put herself in a bad situation. He should not be trusted with a taser.
For those of you talking about having a 4 year degree to be a cop, that makes no sense to me. Their are more ignorant people out there with a bachelors degree than say an associates or no degree at all. Show me your GPA while you were in college.
Not a smart thing to do by putting the deputies address on this post. It should be removed.
Thank you guitardude! I had alerted the post to erase the address, and they finally did, just as you posted your comments.
Most police officers/deputies have unlisted addresses for this exact reason. Who wants some scumbag they have arrested to know where they and their loved ones live?
Do you think the poster of the address would regret it if some idiot this officer arrested last year decided to go to his house and hurt he and/or a family member? The idiocricy you see on here is absolutely amazing. Yes, everyone has an opinion, and I like to read other peoples opinion and take them into consideration. But posting soemone's home address??? Pure stupidity!
Wrote her a ticket for doing 50 in a 45? He should ashamed for that alone!
I also believe that she should not have gotten out of the car. That could create a bad situation for any officer. Fight it in court.
Both of them should go to the White House & have a brew with the boss.
John O'Brien wrote this story? Read it with a grain of salt... he likes to sensationalize... a lot! The cop was definitely in the wrong, taking it way too far. BUT.. stay in your car when pulled over unless otherwise instructed... if you want to dispute the ticket that's what traffic court is for!
When tasers were first introduced, they were for "extreme circumstances." Remember? But gradually we're going down the slippery slope, aren't we? It gets more and more commonplace, more and more unjustified. We'd better stand up to this NOW, before it gets even worse.
And I think Sean Andrews should not only have been FIRED months ago, but charged. With what? ASSAULT! It's right there on the tape!
And Sheriff Walsh, with his fancy uniform and all, should resign. Period.
That lady is an idiot. The tazer might be a little unnessecary but she should have complied. She should stick to arguring at pto meetings rather than with a police officer.
Holy sh*t...I have lived in both Harlem and the Bronx, and lets just say that FAR crazier acts have gone with out notice much less being tased. This cop would fail MISERABLY if ever faced with someone who was an actual threat. He would more likely go home crying to his mother, which he probably does every night anyway.
The NYPD recruits New York's finest, he is the complete opposite and would never have even made it through training if I was his instructor. I say remove his badge, benefits and throw him in jail.
I don't agree with this cop, however there are great cops on the rolls at the sheriffs department, this guy should be canned for his action, he abused his authority, and he escalated the situation, un-called for!!
Training has nothing to do with this one. This officer has NO sense. Period.
To all the Monday morning quarterbacks...take a deep breath and wait. Not justifying anything at this point but there are two sides to every story. You might want to wait and see instead of being judge, jury and executioner even though it may fufill your anti gov't agenda. This story is in the PS that should be your first red flag. The second and huge red flag is the Terrence Hoofman is the attorney at flaw in the case. You may all be right but I would wait. Could be a suprise ending!!!!
Just more Syracuse ignorance shining through.....
"If I was this lady's 15-yr-old son I would have been out of that car in a heartbeat after seeing/hearing what this worthless, power tripping, "protector and server" was doing."
Yeah moron, we all know the first thing to do is to gang up on a cop because THAT always turns out well, and then the cop should have tazed or shot him, end of story.
"I just saw a cop this morning... Talking on his cell phone"
Another genius statement...it is NOT against the law for cops to talk on cellphones! Try getting out from under the rock you live under. Oh, btw, there's seatbelt law now and you can't smoke in restaurants.....just wanted to bring you up to speed.
I guess what all the idiots on here are saying is, next time you get pulled over, get out of your car and argue your case, maybe throw in a few colorful words to describe the cops mother, then defy any directions the cop gives you. Gee, if we all did that we'd need to triple our police forces due to traffic stops taking 20 minutes each....or just buy more tazers for the cops.
One thing to remember is the strength of the union. If the senior management knew they had a problem cop, they can't do much about it because the union will grieve any action taken and some idiot judge will tie the Sheriff's hands. You want to get rid of bad cops? Make all deputies serve at the pleasure of the Sheriff so the department can police itself.
Unbelievable! Yes, she should not have gotten out of her car...that goes without saying. But I am blown away by the number of posters who think this guy was justified in tasering her!! No way! She is standing there, she's not attacking him. I realize we cannot hear what is being said, but this is not what a taser is to be used for! I would've struggled, too, if a man (cop or not) was pulling me out of my car to arrest me for what?!!!!
There are a lot of great people in law-enforcement, but this is a line of work that also attracts controlling, power-hungry individuals as well. They need to police their own and weed out the idiots like this one who throw aside their training when they get angry.
This poor woman! The police officer needs to lose his career over this! Tasers aren't toys.
he needs a good old fashion tune up. then next time he'll know a real threat. stay out of the bars sean.
colorblinded-
Sorry to tell you, if he were in a emergency vehicle, he is exempt from the cell phone law, I think they should changed that law, but for now they can do it...
I am not one to judge, but it looks pretty bad on the officer's part!!
"Posted by guitardude62 on 08/13/09 at 8:47AM
After reading all the comments, criticisms, and cries of foul play so far, I'm wondering first: who at the Post Standard or whoever monitors this comment section and allowed that officer's address to be published????? Right or wrong, let the court and his superiors decide his fate, not going vigilante and somehow indirectly threating his home or family. How would you like to have all your addresses published for others to "get back at you" for perceived wrongdoings, difference of opinions, and just in general shooting your mouthes off??"
Oh quit your damn whining. News flash, most of our addresses ARE PUBLIC RECORD. If his wasn't specifically unlisted then there should be no problem with it posted here. Guess what, the story made Digg.com, it's going national, you know what they do on Digg for stories like this? Well normally they'll post not only his address, but his supervisor's address, both their phone numbers and any other info related to it. Maybe he'd think twice about being a complete prick of a human being, let alone a public servant if he thought there might be ramifications! This guy needs to lose his job and have his own criminal charges brought against him. If enough people call Billy on it and tell him that, it will happen. 50 in a 45. Better preserve that supposed radar evidence for when you get sued buddy...oh wait there wasn't any....hope she doesn't have a GPS that tracks speed or a newer vehicle where the on board pc does it for her. POS cop. I love that we're just hearing this now, 7 months later too!
Yeah, that cop needs more than an attitude adjustment. It's disturbing that the police are supposed to be here to work for and protect citizens yet they are so inept at it that instead of making us feel safe, most law abiding citizens are terrified of them.
this is a lunch money cop at his finest. he got beat up in highschool for his lunch money now it is payback time.
fire this douche bag and the rest of those donut eating jerk offs.
No matter what this woman said, tasing was outrageous. writing a few messages to relieve our anger is not good enough. someone needs to organize a group to impact the Sheriff politically. If this deputy doesn't get fired, the Sheriff should in the next election and soon deputies would start reacting more appropriately.
Ya, stay in your car...if you get out and are told to get back in, get back in, then get right back out when ordered. Simon says anyone? This cop's BS isn't new. You see the same crap on Cops every week. Officers yelling at suspects to do one thing, then just when they comply the officer will scream to do the exact opposite. These cops apparently aren't trained for the adrenal rush. You see them yelling at suspects to get down on the ground and the suspects have BEEN ON THE GROUND for a good 30-45 seconds!! Any excuse to tase though...wouldn't it be great if someone tased them first sometime?
Remember when the local police officer was looking out for us? Now they are just "out for us". The public is becoming an easy source of revenue to make up for budget deficits created by irresponsible government. Watch your backs.
"colorblinded-
Sorry to tell you, if he were in a emergency vehicle, he is exempt from the cell phone law, I think they should changed that law, but for now they can do it...
I am not one to judge, but it looks pretty bad on the officer's part!!
"
Sorry to tell you, you;'re wrong. Being in an emergency, cop, etc vehicle does not give you exemption. Please read the law or know what you talk about. They are only exempt if they are using the phone for police reasons, not just cause they sit in a certain car. The law reads it has to be for the emergency or another official reason.
I was always taught when I was little that if I ever needed help I could find a police officer. It was taught in school. How can this mother tell her child that? That little girl is going to be afraid of police for the rest of her childhood if not life. This is scary and he is a disgrace to the badge. I think this woman deserves an excellent settlement and a public apology from not only the Deputy but Walsh as well. I know she wont get the Apology but it is what she deserves. The deputy deserves to be fired.
This action was a violation of the Force Continuum. Now I know most of you don't know what that means but, in a nutshell, law enforcement can only respond with an amount of force sufficient to counteract any force being demonstrated by the subject (the woman). This officer was about two steps in the continuum over where he should have been. I hope she has a good lawyer and Walsh has the sense to send this cowboy packing.
So as someone who used to be a 911 dispatcher and hearing the other end of police calls police officers have every right to be extra cautious. This women should have just listened and stayed in the car. He was on patrol alone and while she had children in her car she could in his mind still be a threat. Too many times have police officers ignored individuals who don't appear to be a threat and have been injured or worse as a result. She should have stayed in her car and complained about the ticket later she was a moron.
Anyone know if this is the same Sean Andrews that went to Liverpool High...graduated in 89 or 90?
Get this to the national media. Out of control police are as big a threat to Liberty as any of the other radical groups that you hear about daily. Expose them, hold them accountable personally and break the good old boy cover-up the crime system that currently exists. There is this thinking that when we have a bad cop, we put him in another assignment until it blows over. This was assault with a deadly weapon. Arrest,indict,convict, punish. The laws apply to everyone. Your move Sheriff Walsh.
Tough guy with a badge and gun, they need to put him on a pole and let him rotate for awhile.
this idiot woman got what she deserved. she disobeyed direct orders to stay in the vehicle the first time. when an officer tells you to do something there is no debate. just because this woman was dumb enough to procreate doesn't mean she is harmless. she could have just as easily pulled out a knife or a gun and killed deputy andrews, just because she is a mother doesn't change that. she was ordered to stay in her vehicle for her own safety as well as the deputies. she is setting a horrible example for her children. i would like to see anyone of the posters on this website deal with someone like her. when you are told to get out of a vehicle and you grip the steering wheel you are resisting arrest. tazing causes no longterm effects. would you idiots have rather he break her hands to remove her? not to mention the speed limit. the speed limit is posted for a reason. it's not a suggestion. when you go above that number you do so at your own risk. so if she didn't want a ticket then she should have been going 45. nice to know this caring mother doesn't hesitate to speed in syracuse in january. it's not like it's snowing or there could be ice on the ground.
BTOWNSBEST- Yes the law should be changed. What is the difference between them driving and talking and us citizens driving and talking. I know what we both have in common. We are both humans beins, operating an vechile, driving AROUND OTHER CARS TALKING ON THE PHONE. Just because they have a uniform on doesn't mean they have super powers and can avoid an accident while on the phone. They made it a LAW for a reason, Unless these cops got some super human power. THEY should not be on their personal cell phones. Laughing with whomeva they are talking too! So I agree with you 100%. I mean they do all types of things. They abuse the law but those little infraction that we see is going to blow up one day. That is why I am asking the Chief to monitor that before one of his officers hit a person while they are on their celly. Can you image the law suit when that happens. So far you got a cop running a stop sign hit someone. This dude taser happy, I like the cops (some) but there are alot who walk around here with super powers and it's time for them to follow the laws just like we have too!
Lawyers will tell you there is no such thing as an "open and shut" case. But, after what I've seem and read here this case has got to be the CLOSEST thing to it. I try to give police officers the benefit of the doubt in an incident, but NOT this time. Shame on this Onondaga County sheriff's deputy, Sean Andrews. You have brought shame on yourself, and the Onondaga County Sheriff's Department.
mpeteli - You right she got out first but he told her to get back in. She did and then he told her to get back out after he told her to get back in????? Explain that....
same kind of garbage happened to me about 4 years ago. Driving down 57 at 2 am I get pulled over on a side street maybe 2 blocks from home. The officer kept aaking if I had been drinking. When he realized I was dead ass sober he gave me a speeding ticket with "speed unreasonable" written in the speed column. I had been doing MAYBE 45 in the 40...jackass cost me a few hundred to get that taken care of.
The truly sad part of this story is that this cop is not the exception; he is an example of the rule.
There is an attitude among "law enforcement" that the rules don't apply to them. I've got four close family members in the business, so I know of what I speak. The few remaining "good" cops hate what their departments have become and are just waiting out their time to retire.
The young cops coming in are nothing more than thugs with badges - and like a street gang they protect each other.
This is not "Serving and Protecting" this is another guy with a badge and sunglasses on a power trip.
When I was growing up, my parents taught me to respect police and the law. At events (the Fair, for example) I remember seeing policemen and having them be polite, saying hello, even helping out with directions etc.
These days, people don't respect police (myself included!) because we constantly have a fear that they're "out to get us". Instead of feeling safe when I see a patrol car drive by me, I get anxious that maybe I have a stupid headlight out and I'm headed for the slammer!
How would this idiot feel if someone did this to his mother???
Now this lady is going to sue and probably win or get a settlement which will be paid for by tax payers. She deserves every penny no doubt. But this idiot Rambo cop is going to end up costing us all a bunch of money. As if his $49K salary was not enough of a waste of money, now he has cost us, best case scenario, a few hundred thousand, possibly a lot more. Stupid...just stupid.
This is not "Serving and Protecting" this is another guy with a badge and sunglasses on a power trip.
When I was growing up, my parents taught me to respect police and the law. At events (the Fair, for example) I remember seeing policemen and having them be polite, saying hello, even helping out with directions etc.
These days, people don't respect police (myself included!) because we constantly have a fear that they're "out to get us". Instead of feeling safe when I see a patrol car drive by me, I get anxious that maybe I have a stupid headlight out and I'm headed for the slammer!
Sorry, lady. As a bus driver, you should know: you do what you're told, you don't get in trouble. Don't tell me you don't know the simple rule about traffic stops...you do NOT get out of your vehicle until (and only if) you are told.
The courts would have sorted this out in 5 minutes and dropped the charges anyways.
Is this cop a douchebag? Yup. Does he deserve to be fired? Honestly...I think so. Leaving those kids alone, while he hauled mom off to jail is inexcusable.
But lady...you brought this all on yourself.
I think they both showed poor judgement but I'm not quite sure the punishment fit the crime.
Let's be logical here...there is a sequence to these events. What STARTED this entire thing was the fact the mom could not keep her BIG mouth shut and she got OUT of the car.
I've been pulled over a few times. If you are polite, calm and reasonable for a minor traffic infraction they will usually let you OFF with a warning...even more so when your a suburban mom transporting your kids. Even if you know you didn't commit the offense, you still act calm, take the ticket and contest it in COURT...NOT on the STREET in front of your kids you dolt!!! This woman was a LOUD mouth who thought she was entitled to special treatment and could shout down a cop.
With all that said...the officer over-reacted using the taser on her, that's obvious. He shouldn't have pulled her back out of the car once she got back in. He should have simply let her keep running her BIG mouth...wrote a ticket back at his patrol car...walked back-up to her car...handed it to her and said have a nice day B*tch.
She got tazed...so what? You want to ruin this cops livelyhood because this woman couldn't control herself and got zapped with a cattle prod (sort of appropriate I think)? Using logic and my EYESIGHT by actually watching the video, I score this one 85% the woman's fault and 15% the cops fault. End of story.
As much as I disagree with this officer's actions, I am strongly against anyone posting his private information here. This should be dealt with by the Sheriff's Dept. and through the courts, whether they be civil or criminal.
Maybe they can get invited to the White House and have a discussion over Kool Aid with Obama and Biden. Clear case of profiling, Mom in Mini Van with kids pose a real threat!
This one you can truly say the cop acted stupidly.
Cop might as well resign now and be done with it. This one is going to cost the taxpayers of this county. Very clear as to what took place.
If she was a real threat why did he not get in his car and call for back up? At that point he had her information if she were to "flee."
Andrews, in this video, appears to be a bully and coward; no real threat, she gets in the car, he pulls her back out, zaps her as she stands, unthreatening. He looks to be a criminal but the core of the problem is Walsh, equally a criminal. No apparent action taken, failure to train or screen for psychos, no explanation. I'm sure there are many good Sheriffs but Walsh and Andrews are embarrassments for Onondaga County.
A sad day in January for the Sheriff's Dept. This story and tape clearly shows both sides errored in judgment. I think I would NOT want this lady driving a bus with my kids on it - why? Just look at the way she handled this situation with her "own" kids onboard? Secondly, the officer clearly went a little crazy with the now famous "Taser Mom", maybe he should have called his Supervisor prior to tasering her, she clearly, in the tape, did NOT present a serious threat. Why was not any other officers called to deal with the minor children - neglect? What procedures were violated by the officer(s)? Why has an investigation into this taken 8 months (coverup?)?
I guess the boy in the front seat shouting to his mother, and her five year old daughter in the backseat crying, "Mommy! Mommy!" are lucky they didn't get Tazed for governmental obstruction, and disorderly conduct.
This article has made me so mad. I too have always respected the police, but this guy doesn't deserve any respect. I really hope he reads these comments. Maybe it will make him so mad he will taser himself. This guy is an idiot!!!
NOT defending Andrews actions AT ALL !!- however, the mouthy witch should have kept it shut and followed his instructions by remaining in her vehicle.
She could have gone to court and proven her case and been far more effective and had these tickets thrown out like the trash they are (so she claims). Now she's been arrested, tasered and raising two more little cop-haters...nice!
She's kicked up the dirt, and perhaps jeopardized her position as a school bus driver. Her driving record and temperament are now in question.
So the litigious wench wants money!!! Why? Sure, the dude should probably lose his job, but damages?...Hell No! HER actions caused the chain of events that followed.
He needs to look for another job. But she is NOT above the law, and if she was wrongfully ticketed there is a simple system to clear it up...shut up take the tickets and prove it in court...DONE!
For starters - at a traffic stop, have your license/registration ready, your conduct will be yes sir / no sir... hands where he can see them - assure the cop that it's gonna be a "safe" traffic stop for him. The cop already has his mind made up at that point most of the time - you're probably gonna get a ticket. If he asks if you know why he pulled you over - what you say will be used against so be careful you do not incriminate yourself - best answer would be "I'm sorry sir but I do not know why you stopped me". Whether you agree or disagree with the charge, well that's between you and the DA's office and judge.
I've gotten a couple of "bad" tickets before but it's easier to deal with the town court and take up on the rear in fines, than have to go through the trauma of an overzealous officer's improper use of physical force. Any officer isn't going to go "oh OK - I guess you're right, have a nice day" - wrong... his mind is made up and he will follow through.
Now as for this officer's actions - I agree he took things a little too far. There's something called the "continuum of force" which is a set of guidelines as to how to escalate the amount of force an officer uses against someone - starting with verbal commands all the way up to the use of deadly physical force. In this case he went from from verbal commands directly to the taser which likely falls outside of those guidelines set forth by department policy. From what I could see in the video - the woman didn't make any physical motions or movements that to me would appear to be threatening. If anything she's guilty of "contempt of cop".
Also - he put his life and the woman's in danger as you could see they were both in the middle of the road. Lucky there was little traffic that day.
For whatever reason - there's no audio on this tape so we can't say for sure what was said back and forth to corroborate or disprove either party's story. However that the officer is on modified duty pending an IA investigation is a bit telling that his actions fell outside of department rules. Bad cop - no donut.
Stupid mouthy mom. Stupider cop. Combination of stupidity results in stupidest action of all: nonviolent citizen being hit twice by a taser. Cop should be canned immediately. We don't need someone with such poor judgement carrying a taser (or worse, a gun). In the interest of public safety, this guy should be fired or at least put on desk work for the rest of his natural life.
Sorry, but she is just as responsible for this! She had her kids with her, and as a school bus driver, she should have known better and stayed in her car.
Even her 15 year old son knew she shouldn't have gotten out of the van. He told her to get back in. She showed poor judgement. Set a bad example in front of her children and she is partly responsible for all of this and how frightened they were.
It looks like none of this would have happened if she had just stayed in her car and had shown the officer respect for a man doing his job.
That said, of course the officer shouldn't have tasered her. I'm glad neither of them were hit by a car, and that she didn't have a heart attack.
He escalated a bad situation and unfortunately will probably have to pay for it with his job, while she, the indignant, self-righteous mom walks away with money. Something just doesn't seem quite fair to me there.
Meanwhile the 5 year old is probably scared to death of the police. Thanks Mom!
I guess one of the misconceptions here is that folks believe that by living in the USA they have rights. The fact of the matter is that you have NO rights, cops can Gestapo storm trooper anyone they feel like abusing, with little fear of anything being done about it. Your personal rights have been eroded to the point today where you are guilty until you can prove your innocent.
The physical abuse of citizens has become a normal part of police work, yes there are good cops out there, sadly the acceptance criteria for becoming a cop seeems to be having a pulse and wanting to carry a gun. NOT what I would call a meaningful evaluation of an individuals psycological suitibility to actually serve and protect.
The use of tasers by uniformed bullies is just another aspect of our loss of personal freedom thats been going on for years, there IS a reason we called them pigs in the 70's. The taser is just another tool in our Police State arsenal to intimidate and beat down average folks.
colorblind i am not going to argue I question why he would one tell her to get back in and then tell her to get back out but I have had those moments where my mind changes in seconds maybe he was going to let it go and then had a second thought of maybe he shouldn't let it go I don't know either way she should have just listened even if it sounded a little ridiculous to get in and out of her vehicle.
Actually, the chain of events started by pulling her over for using her cellphone, and then being too much of a twat to admit he was wrong...
Sean Andrews, a rough tally of your disrespect for the law:
Under color of law Sean Andrews illegally:
1) Assaulted...
2) Falsified official records...
3) Violated victim's violated 4th Amendment right to be secure against unreasonable seizure...
Be the big man you think you are and resign! You are untrustworthy and do not have the self-control necessary to be trusted with the awesome responsibility to uphold the law and protect the Constitution.
After reviewing that tape, why hasn't the DA brought Criminal charges against Sean Andrews?
Hmm a possibly bogus ticket given on Jan 31st... Could he have been a few short of his "quota" for the month? Just throwing it out there...
I agree this lady may be partly responsible for this. If she shut up and took it to court this would not be an issue. But the cop took it way to far. I don't know about brutality but Rambo certainly went overboard this time. Just fire him and move on. I'm sure the Sheriff has plent of applications from people much better than this guy.
As for that "Intelligent Investigations" business. How much you want to bet he is using dept. resources to run that game? And I'd also bet he works at it on "company" time.
Posted by lpool4cats on 08/13/09 at 9:45AM
Maybe they can get invited to the White House and have a discussion over Kool Aid with Obama and Biden. Clear case of profiling, Mom in Mini Van with kids pose a real threat!
I get what your saying but I don't get the Kool-Aid part?? Is that a sterotype you are making or what?????
No question she shouldn't have gotten out of her car, but NO question, he was completely out of control. Taser for a speeding tic? Wow - she looked about as threatening as nothing. This is what they spend their time on? Pulling over to let a car go by so they can nail her on a speeding or cell phone ticket? How about focusing on what's REALLY important.
this town needs a new sheriff! apparent lack of leadership.
Officer was wrong in the way it was handled. She should have stayed in car and taken ticket in stead of confronting officer. No way he is going to back down especially since he blew it so escalation is the only thing that is going to make an arrest for him look good. Wrong attitude on both peoples part. This happened in Jan and just surfacing now, Something wrong here. She should have called 911 and asked for state police to protect her.
What started this whole thing is he pulled her over with no probable cause . I would have been much more of a problem than she was.
Another reason all cruisers should come with AV recording equipment. SPD should take the federal grant Schumer arranged and use part of it to outfit all their patrol cars. Video doesn't lie.
I hope that next time that someone is pulled over by the cops, they listen when they are told to do something. I think this should be a training tool for road tests. If you don't listen when pulled over, if you argue with the cops, if you get out of your car and confront them when you are told to stay put, you deserve what you get! How is the cop to know what kind of a loose cannon this woman is or what kind of drugs she may be on, or what weapons she might have, kids or not? She oboviously has a problem with authority figures and with following directions and the law. Hopefully they can get her for endangering the welfare of her kids while talking on the phone when she is supposed to be driving them safely. Another looser costing the taxe payers money because she can't obey a simple request. "Mother of the year" nominee!!!
PlainLogic,
I agree with you wholeheartedly.
One thing is troubling me. She apparently resisted arrest by trying to get back in the vehicle twice. Does anyone know what appropriate counter force for resisting arrest is? Obviously he wasn't trying to use deadly force.
It looks like he pulled her out physically once and then she tried to get back in. To me (an uneducated citizen in such matters) that would require an escalation of force. Does anyone know the answer? Educational answers would be appreciated.
Her own words...
As he started to walk back to his car, I got out of my car...he asked me to get back in.
He asked me to get back in my car again and I said show me the tape.
He asked me to get back in the car again (is anyone else counting?) and then he pulled out his taser and said that I was under arrest...I got back in the car (Now she decides to get back in the car?)
So he's made up his mind to arrest her and now she refuses to get out of the car?
Watch the video again, the entire time she's reaching into the car.
My favorite line so far is "I might have wanted to follow the so called 'cop' to his car and try to explain the situation. That's the kind of thing women are prone to doing".
So my question to all you armchair types out there is of course...if you were the cop what would you have done? (understand that letting people get out of their cars, reach into their pockets, reach into their cars, get back in their cars, follow you to your car, fight with you in the roadway has lead to other cops being killed)
This is awful & very scary! The mom obviously wasn't threatening the officer. I don't understand why the officer used his "powers" the way he did.
Thank you P-S for telling this story. I hope it goes national! Everyone really needs to read this!!!
She probably deserved it since there is no audio available, no one knows what she is saying to the officer except for him and her. However I also believe the officer could have handled the situation a little better.
Everyone knows a mini-van driving soccer mom is the second most dangerous citizen behind postal employees. That fine young officer feared for his life and had the training not to shoot the very dangerous mommy down but he should have tasered her one or two more times just for the field study.
I know this lady and she can be a real piece. To me it is clearly her mouth that got the best of her. Its too bad that this cop doing his job had to deal with this type of disrespect. He will likely loose his job while she gets a settlement for being an ***. True he did not need to tase her and that was out of line. But the reason this escalated was her and her mouth. The DA should not have dropped the charges. Now they are admitting guilt for a civil file. I guess next time I get pulled over for speeding or talking on my cell I will get out and start screaming at the officer running my mouth till he reacts and then I will get my cash on for being a total ***.
After looking at this video, the officer WAS justified because this woman REPEATEDLY FAILED TO COMPLY with the officers commands. Anybody with ANY common sense whatsoever knows that when an officer tells you to do something you better well do it, even if you think it's wrong. That's what the courts are for is to sort out that issue. This woman was told more than once to get back in the van. Officers are trained in these situations that if somebody comes out of their vehicle on a traffic stop that it is to be interpreted as a threat to that officer, who has every right to protect himself. She failed to comply at least four times in that video, then she resists arrest. The DA's office may have dropped the charges (because it would generate negative publicity as very well shown here), but she needs to grow up. Great way to teach your kids what happens when you fail to comply with an officers direcitve. She needs to shut up and go away ..
Wow! You posters are a bunch of idiots. You mock what you believe to be a lesser educated police officer in words, diction and punctuation that a two year old would know to be incorrect. Learn the difference between: they're, their, and there; your and you're; its and it's! Egads!
JustDICK28==>"so he took it out on the first women he seen." Huh? The video only showed one female! Try English next time. Pretty judgemental for someone with a first grade education.
Caztek==>"The rest are just dolts who often cannot find any other type of work." Unlike you, right? By the way, it's HEROES!!!
JustSoSad==>If you were really a "cop" you would understand what you saw in the video and would not be questioning another officer. Especially since you were not there!
To whomever made the comments about disbanding the Sheriff's road patrol and whomever called all deputies "trooper wannabes", you obviously know not of what you speak.
This would not have been a trooper because they would have been at a firehouse (Belgium Cold Springs on River Road) with their gunbelts and shoes off, feet up watching a movie while they dozed-off. Don't believe it, ask any police officer you know how useless the troopers around this county are.
FIRST: tazers do not cause injuries. In order to charge someone with assault there needs to be "physical injury". There was not, nor is niner woman claiming any.
SECOND: take the tazer out of a police officer's hand and they have to deal with someone like this scumbag woman with their hands, which could cause injuries. Would you rather see him pull her from the van and throw her to the ground, then have to wrestle with her and possibly hurt her. Or worse yet, get hurt himself? Then all you idiots would be crying that he was collecting worker's compensation! Or would you rather see him use a baton on her to get her to comply with his orders? Non-compliance authorizes the use of the tazer. Pepper spray also would have been acceptable, but you would be crying about that, too!
THIRD: stay in the car and shut your mouth. If you feel you've been wronged, deal with it in court or with internal affairs. Like some here have said, he has no idea if she has a weapon or has retrieved one from the vehicle. His and all other police officers' objective is to go home to their families at the end of the shift. Does anyone remember about 15-16 years ago when a teenaged girl got out of a car during a traffic stop in Liverpool and attacked two police officers with a claw hammer? Which precipitated retirement for one of them because of the injuries! Officers never know when or from whom an attack is coming, so they need to treat all people in the same manner. Whether they are from Shonnard Street, Liverpool, or Manlius! If they treated people differently dependent on where they live or what they look like, then you jerks would be screaming "profiling".
FOURTH: there's a good chance that this officer did take a shot from a tazer. All have the option to do so, and most, EVEN THE WOMEN, do. They do so so as to have an idea of what the tazer does to a person and so they know what to expect of someone when they are being tazed.
FIFTH: The kids got a real eye opener on what not to do when confronted by the police. Mom set a great example by: 1)getting out of the car; 2)arguing with the officer; and 3)not doing what she was told. SHE CREATED THE ENTIRE SITUATION THAT CAUSED THE TAZER TO BE USED. Hopefully someone with some sense (not their mother) will explain to them that she was totally at fault in this incident. Of course, being raised in a household partially run by this poor excuse for a human and mother, I don't expect they will see this as anything other than mom being picked on. I'm sure she's been drilling that into their heads since January. She's the biggest idiot of all. Next time maybe the officer won't have a tazer and will punch her full-on in the face! Would that be more acceptable to you goofs?
I could go on all day, but I have better things to do, unlike you people. Keep judging something you know absolutely nothing about! You're MY 'heros'.
Oh, by the way, all you posters that want to hurt Deputy Andrews and other officers because of this matter, how about this: next time you deal with the police anywhwere, let them know what your screenname on this forum is and what you wrote about wanting to break ribs and "checks". Man-up! Don't hide behind the anonymity of this forum. Be proud, be loud!!! But you wouldn't be on here hiding if you were man and/or woman enough to say these things to an officer's face!
Jerks!
This guy is a real peach. If he wasnt packing that taser would he of pulled his gun on her? Seanie Boy needs a little retraining.
19 Micron-
Seriously? You're threatening violence on a public forum? Nice, job DB!
Thanks officer andrews for protecting us from soccer moms in minivans. Good thing she was white or this would have made national headlines and obozo would have had to have them over for a beer!
internal investigation for 7 months? Walsh cover-up again!
rng88, what are you talking about??? Maybe you think that all liberals want everything run by the government, and maybe some other people would like to believe that (my grandmother is one of them)but that just is not true. I hold true to the ideals that being a liberal is merely to see some progressive change, not to have everything controlled by the government. I just really don't understand who you are that you think liberals are in favor of this crap, because we think the world runs smoothly?
rng88, what are you talking about??? Maybe you think that all liberals want everything run by the government, and maybe some other people would like to believe that (my grandmother is one of them)but that just is not true. I hold true to the ideals that being a liberal is merely to see some progressive change, not to have everything controlled by the government. I just really don't understand who you are that you think liberals are in favor of this crap, because we think the world runs smoothly?
Well, it appears what we have here is an out of control cop. But, we have no actual dialogue from her, we don't know what she actually said to the officer. She may have been mouthing off like the coloreds do to the police. In which case his actions would have been justified.
1) "Don't tase me bro!" Google it or look it up on YouTube...still one of the funniest taser videos (John Kerry just keeps droning on while the guy gets blasted).
2) Maybe the officer handled the situation inappropriately but as soon as you get out of the car, the police officer is put on the defensive. For everyone quick to criticize the police, every time they pull someone over they are putting their lives at risk. They never know when someone is going to try to run them over or worse, pull out a gun. Could the situation been handled differently? Yes, by all parties involved. But, it would have never come to this if she remained in her car and stayed calm. From watching the video, I'd say she got what she deserved and is lucky he didn't pull his gun on her.
geirgo - I agree with you! I'm pointing out the fact that most of the people critizing the cop in this story, were the same ones applauding them in the Gates story even though the situations are very similar.
Regardless of my personal opinions on this case, the Deputy will probably be indemnified, since there was no criminal negligence. He was negligent in the fact he didn't follow the use of force continuum and could have used "soft hand techniques" to affect an arrest. Fact: it is against the Law to resist Arrest even if you think the arrest is unlawful. Most States as part of Radar Operators course require you to be able to visually estimate a cars speed with a plus or minus 2mph. If this were a Police Dept down south with out a Union behind him he definitely would have been fired. But up here, he will go to an arbitrator and hes likely to get a 3 day whack and retraining in use of the Taser and his personal communication skills.
941
great post.....
How much you want to bet that this woman could possibly have at least ONE Driving while using a Cell Phone ticket? Or maybe even speeding tickets?
So the plan is act like a Moron, don't listen to the Police Office when he instructs you to do something and HOPE the Police over react so you can sue.
You sure are a great Teacher to your kids. Show them that you can totally disrespect the Law and still get away with it. Yeah we all should be teaching our kids this.
When I first got my license in 1968 I was told if I was ever pulled over to do the following.
1. Put the vehicle in park and turn it off.
2. Turn on the hazard flashers
3. roll down the drivers side door
4. have your wallet in your hands and your hands
on the steering wheel.
5. Be respectful and do what the officer asks.
More often then not you will get a warning and the Police can go on and maybe catch a drunk before they kill and entire family.
This is what happens when 2 idiots interact. He went too far, but she instigated the incident: She got out of the car and then three times she refused his order to get back in the car. The 15 year old sounds like the brightest one of the bunch - "Mom, get back in the car", at least he knows what to
I got a chuckle when Obama and the professor from Harvard were insinuating their issue was one of racial profiling. Although racial and economic profiling go on all the time I don't think that was the issue in that case. The issue is very similar to the issue in this case. It is about abusive police policy with napoleon complex cops. The cops behave this way because somehow they get the impression it is appropriate. They forget who they work for. In this case the woman’s police records should be checked and if she were talking on the phone all charges should be pursued. If not this cop needs retraining. Busting her chop over 5 miles per hour is just plain wrong. He does this again he needs to get a new job. These guys are using tasers way too much. Way, way too much. What kind of an idiot tasers a woman with two little kids in the car. The guy is not qualified to be a cop. He's obviously an idiot.
Terry Hoffmann is her attorney and will (or already has) shred the Deputy. This lady is getting a HUGE payout, and the Deputy should be stipped of his Soveriegn Immunity and sued as well. Terry was stopped by an egotistical Deputy a few years back.That Deputy was almost thrown off the force, but Terry did receive a good size payout as well. There is no love lost for the Sheriff's from Hoffmann.
I'm not qualified to discern if this officer was out of line, as I'm not trained, and I wasn't there (like most other commenters who are too quick to judge or apply their opinions about a past experience onto this experience).
However, I will say that when I'm stopped at night for speeding, the first thing I do is turn on my dome light. Why? Because I don't want someone with a weapon to have any reason to feel threatened by me. I've heard troopers say that routine traffic stops are quite dangerous because everything about it is an unknown: unknown driver, unknown contents of vehicle, unknown criminal history (YES, even mothers can be criminals or decoy for other criminals), etc. At least at a shoot out, they know who the threats are.
Also, do any of you KNOW this woman? She is QUITE provocative and combative, and has a history of getting into trouble because of her POOR JUDGMENT. Looks like she hasn't learned from her mistakes, I'm sorry to say. And I'm also sorry that she's still giving her kids the WRONG EXAMPLE. Sounds like her 15 yr old has better judgment than she does; at least HE knew she shouldn't be getting out of the car, let alone STAYING out after being ordered back in.
SHE bears responsibility, too.
From my perspective (based on incomplete information), it seems like the officer made a rash decision and then didn't know what to do with it, but she sealed her own fate when she provoked his sense of safety by disregarding his orders. Who knows what she had in her pockets, what sort of distraction her provocation was providing for someone hiding in the car .... we who weren't there HAVE NO IDEA.
I know if I were the cop and someone KEPT ON irrationally disregarding my orders, I might wonder if their judgment was off, and might also assume that she was as a threat.
I'm not surprised that the PS, which has turned into the Nat'l Enquirer, has trumped up the sensationalism regarding the size of her compared to the size of him. They do this to make money. Anyone who's ever had to be in the position of defending their lives or the lives of others knows that the lethality of another person is only as large as their trigger finger.
For the protective husband commenters who say they'd kick someone's butt if their wives were treated this way, I'd say: if your wives behave like this woman in general, jail for assault might seem pretty favorable.
Bottom line for me: he's responsible for PERHAPS trying to save face, and poor judgment on the charge. She's responsible for provoking and exercising terrible judgment as a citizen AND as a mother. I would not award her a dime for a situation she precipitated but would drop the speeding and cell phone charges, and send her on her way with a stern warning to start taking responsibility for her 50% of how others treat her, and send the officer for some refresher training on managing his emotions relative to public relations.
Call the Onondaga County Sheriff's department and let them know that this behavior is not acceptable and that you are disgusted that this officer is still being payed on your tax dime.
(315) 435-1767 and ask for:
Sgt. Kim Brennan, Human Resources Supervisor or
Lt. Tom Metz, Human Resources Manager
...and while you're at it, why not give these offices a call and let them know how disgusted you are by this...
Office of the Sheriff - 435-3044
Public Information Officer - 435-3033
Community Relations - 435-3006
Hey COPS!
With Asses like this among your ranks, it is great to know that when it comes to Criminals, at least you know where you stand.
Who said there is no Honor Among Thieves?
Thieves outshine this Cop (and his Trainers) in this instance.
Great Job on the Community Policing Effort there!
TEXTBOOK!
pogoaddict, great advice.
"4. have your wallet in your hands and your hands
on the steering wheel."
My wallet is carried in my back pocket. To get it, I'd have to make the same motion that I'd make if I was pulling a gun I had tucked in the waistband of my pants. While the cop is approaching the car.
Really, sage advice. Really.
Next time she will think twice about going over the speed limit....speeding with kids in the car...what was she thinking
WOW! Camillusite: Sounds like someone (YOU) wants the Sheriff's Office out of the way so they don't take over policing the Town of Camillus! Alterior motives???? I wonder!!!!!!!!!!
"I'll just show her that you don't tell a Cop he's wrong and call him a liar! We'll just see who is in control of this scene!"
Truly we have contradictions of police department policies in this story.
After all, this is still AMERICA, and citizens are INNOCENT until PROVEN guilty.
VS:
The officer was in FEAR of his life from this HOSTILE citizen.
I am surprised that there is no AUDIO in the video , perhaps when the request was submitted for the VIDEO the wording "and Audio" was not, and all the legal wrangling resulted in the removal of the audio.
We the citizens, need to be able to TRUST officer(s), but the examples being set are not to trust.
I noticed one of the respondents suggested that in the training of police, they become experts at guessing the speed of vehicles, which is totally absurd. A vehicle traveling 60 mph is traveling at a rate of 88 ft per sec, Physics 101. Therefor 30 mpg is 44 feet per second. They must be REAL good to judge in a second time.
The one thing that REALLY worries me with the tasers, is this: The officer does NOT know if someone he pulls over, has a heart condition ... or an electrical heart problem!
If a taser is used on these people, they could DIE!
It can send the heart into arrhythmia!! And the officers need to realize that could be THEIR family who might be pulled over and have this heart condition!
THAT'S what truly scares me! That ... and to have had her children see this .. that's truly sad.
I am a Cop. I enforce laws. I don't care about what I do to this woman or for the welfare of those Children. This is an Unknown Risk Traffic Stop, and whatever happens, I AM GOD!
My training and my fellow Officers tells me that the System will allow me to do wrong in the name of right!
If I can't bust you for the evil of cell phone talking, I'll make up something else that suits me just fine.
Civilian Scum!
This has been said many times but let's go over the facts. This woman got out of her car, which in NY, is a huge no no. She then refused to get back in the car after several times being told to. Then, when she is told that she is under arrest, she jumps back into the car and refuses to get out. Once she is pulled out she still refuses to cooperate and is eventually tased.
So, on her own admissions she disobeyed the orders of the officer, obstructed traffic, resisted arrest and put herself and the officers safety in jeapordy because either could have been struck by a passing vehicle.
The post obviously posted a one sided view of this incident. Just like the presidential electin the media presents it's views instead of the facts. The fact that the video has no audio is pathetic. The fact that the post allowed her to commentate through the video is pathetic. This woman resisted arrest and the post has made her out to be the victim. SHAME ON YOU POST and shame on the DA's office for dropping the charge!
"A witness, Staci Santorelli, was across the road at the Shoot 'n' Score soccer center and heard Andrews tell Harmon she was under arrest. Harmon also says she remembers Andrews at some point telling her she was under arrest". So, to the POST and to Harmon, on your own admission and story you resisted arrest. Whether that arrest was justified or not is for court to decide. Again, shame on you POST to defend this person and her actions. SHAME ON YOU for exploiting police like you do motorcylist. SHAME ON YOU!
So she may have been a smart mouth, when did speaking your mind become illegal? She wanted to see proof that she was actually speeding, what is wrong with that? The police are supposed to serve the community, since when are we not supposed to ask questions? It seems that police officers are just ticking timebombs and if you sneeze or inhale too fast during a traffic stop you are tased or shot and then BLAMED for making a "sudden move". I understand these officers face many dangers everyday, and they never know what's going to happen when they pull someone over, but where is the discretion?
OK, let's get to the root of "stay in the car". Cops will tell you that keeping the driver in the car is their way of maintaining physical and psychological advantage. They are physically above you, talking down to you. Of course they want you to stay in the car!!
And to esyrdad, nice, real nice. You're obviously a LEO and your last paragraph says it all. If we don't agree with the cops, make sure we tell you so you can......well, let's just say "enforce the police state".
This is one of the worst things I have ever seen!
I hope three things happen.
1. She sues the Department for a ton of money and wins.
2. She sues this butt head cop for a ton of money and wins.
3.This so called cop gets tazored so he know what its like.
Wow. Most of you posters are either ignorent, stupid or a combination of both.
Lets review. He tells her (by her own admission) to stay in the car several times and only gets back into her vehicle after she is told she's under arrest. Then she won't get out when told to. (Oh, and her kid even tells mom to get in the car.)
I know, I know....I must be a cop because I'm taking his side. I'm not taking sides but remaining neutral because unfortunatley we don't have any audio from the incident. (I'm sure our soccer mom used more colorful words during the stop).
As a general rule, if a police officer stops you and you disagree with the purpose of the stop, take it to court if you receive a ticket. The side of the road is not the time or place for any debates.
I dislike how people paint everything with the same brush. For example: all cops or lawyers = bad and all people of color = criminals, thugs.
rng88,
These would be the same liberal who defended Professor Gates' freedom of speech?
A totalitarian state can be very far to the left or to the right.
Nazi Germany was an example of a totalitarian government. It was a far-right form of totalitarianism, Arianism.
We have rights in America. Examples: Bill of Rights and Miranda v. Arizona.
This case will have its day in court.
If this person was black people would be applauding the cop.
Of coarse we would because the person would have had a pound of dope in the van with the music blasting louder than a jack hammer.BTW what is the number of black on black deaths compared to white on white?I bet 95 to 5%.Reality is the truth not the lib spin to forget the truth.
Whether you are a housewife from Onondaga County or a Harvard Professor from Massachusetts, when an officer of the law asks you to do something, you comply or you end up in handcuffs. It's not that hard to figure out. However, this deputy was clearly powertripping, and should have made it clear to that woman that she should keep herself in her vehicle for his safety and hers or he would have to arrest her. That's not hard to figure out either.
There is just one other little moment on the tape I would like to raise a question to. As we all know, Ms. Harmon gave this tape to the Post. Why does it not include voice? The 'victim' (and I use the word very, very loosely), is telling us on the video what was said.
How do we know the officer told her to get back in the car, and then get back out? Do we know for sure that he in fact told her to get back in the car when she did? Maybe he never told her to get back in the car, which is why he then grabs her to get her out of the car. Also, if you watch closely, she does kind of puff her chest and come towards him more than once before she is tasered. If this was my teenage child acting as she did, boy or girl, I would not be complaining at the way the officer treated them.
I think that he made a very bad decision and he should be penalized for it. My hert goes out to the woman and her children. I just hate the fact that people come down on the entire sheriffs dept so harshly. I actually know quite a few of them personally and there are a ton of great people working there that are really dedicated to doing a great job.
Wow, alot of posts since I posted at 7:59am this morning. True the Dup. was trying to do his job because you are trained when a person steps out of vehicle, they are trained to be alert.
I believe that bus driver "soccer" mom has no priors and no jackets (police term for records), She is innocent and perhaps had other things in mind.. She has two different age children in the vehicle and looks like she needs to get home. Must be a stressful day or not clearly thinking. Hey, I did the same thing when I was stopped for first time when I was 20 years old. They apologized to me after they stopped the wrong car coming out of Sports-O-Rama.. and it was at the end of January 1985. They needed quota.. and the cop car was parking near the rink. They told me they thought they followed the right car but they were wrong and apologized AT CARRIER CIRCLE! Yeah, they followed me all that way with my then gf. They said they saw a car making dounts at the rink parking lot and I said I saw that too and I wanted to get out before he may hit me. He was doing it close to me. The cops realized I was correct. Well, that time I did step out of car about 30 minutes after they stopped me. They took forever because they realized they were wrong.
Interesting, it was the Sherriff's, not Syracuse.
Another time, just 2 years ago, I was coming home and I was on this street just before I had to make a turn, I had to get out of way of this crazy car driving like he doesnt know how to drive and another car was trying to drive through so I had to slip out of the way before any of them hit me. I had to move out of way after trying to stop at stop sign.
I am smarter now after that 1985 incident. Well, I am Deaf and I did not hear the cop behind me. He has NO lights on at all. I got out of my car with my grocery bag and then he did gasped as I got out of car. I did not see him pull in my drive way at all! I saw nothing and then suddenly he was there as I stepped out. Then he asked and I said whats wrong? He said I went through stop sign. Then I asked him smartly, WHICH stop sign? He gasped again and said um...first one. Then I told him, then you should have seen what was happening with those 2 idiots driving and I had to steer out of the way and move before they want to hit each other or hit me.
Then he gasped again. He realized he was wrong and left. Again, it was the Sherriff's. I never get stopped by Syracuse Police or any other departments. That officer apologized to me. Wow, I get the apologizes. They normally do not. The City police screw up on a case one time with me (no records!) and they never apologized. So, that is why I NEVER trust the police.
On another hand, seemly State Troopers helpful with me. I witnessed an accident in 2003 and they interviewed me and they showed me evidences of the impact.. etc.. You see, a white 1960s muscle car hit an 85 years old man's compact car. I learned a little bit of CSI with that trooper. Another time, 2 weeks later, a 19 years old inexperienced motorcyclist rammed his head into trunk of my car.. Well, he was very nice and polite.. helpful.. I was not injuried at all and even asked if I needed to be bussed to the hospital. I said no so I signed no on the form. The kid got a ticket. He was hospitalized for 10 days for head swollen.
Syracuse Police also screw up again when I requested for AAA since I am Deaf. They refused to call AAA for me in year 2000. They instead called for a tow and I got very upset!! I had an accident on 690 and all. That is why I hate Syracuse Police! Now that is twice I said that.. I am more leaning against cops.
Yes, you are supposed to stay in the car. Turn off car, and hands where they can see... Also do not say too much. Always remember if they arrest you and they did not mirandized you, you can smile and wait and tell your lawyer that and tell him you werent mirandized. Usually you get off technically because of that.
diana56- YOU ARE RIGHT...
esyrdad- PEOPLE HAVE BEEN KILLED BY A TASER BEFORE. You have all that information but that one little piece. People who had heart condition or medical problem with their systems have died being tasered.
When you get pulled over, you're essentially dealing with 3 people.
One- like 95% of the cops I know and have been around coming from a family of officers---they are honorable men and women with years of service who are doing their duty for all the right reasons.
Two- a bully...who bullied people growing up.
Three- someone who was bullied growing up and has a chip on his or her shoulder.
Still, I would always obey an officers orders. 9 out of 10 times, everything will work out ok.
5 MPH over the speed limit? Reason to pull her over - I agree; not enough probable cause. He thought he saw her on her cell and then said she was speeding. Sounds more to me like he was bored. She was wrong in getting out of her car and arguing, he was wrong about is force, but tasering? Really? In front of her kids?
Also, the onlookers apparently thought something was amiss because they asked if she needed help, if she was ok. People don't do that when someone is getting arrested unless it looks shady.
Also, didn't someone die in CNY previously from being tasered? I think it should be used in extreme situations only. This did not look extreme.
kylebush- Why would you start a race thing on here. Man people like you always want to bring race into this. WHY WHY WHY.....
I believe they can only talk on a cell phone while driving if it's work related
This is truly discusting behavior from this cop. Cops like him give the good cops a bad name. He had no right to do that especially in front of her children. Im the age of one of her children and know her personally because she was my bus driver. And i would not have sat in the car and watched that happen. That cop is a dirt bag, and does not deserve to keep his job. ROT IN HELL douche bag
Don't get out of your car, don't talk back, don't speak loudly at the deputy (she clearly was) and once they say "you're under arrest," you are under arrest and anything after that can be resisting, which again she clearly was. Not say tazing was the best choice, but it was well in his right to do so after she kept trying to get back in her car.
Ok she should'nt have gotten out of the car, BUT the cop was OUT OF CONTROL!!!! she wasn't a threat, didn't have a weapon and had two kids with her that she has a duty as a mother to protect and DEFEND herself even if it's to a cop.
The teenager should have gotten on the cell phone and called 911 for help from that jerk cop who obviously was taking her rights as a citizen away from her. WE ALL HAVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH and FREEDOM TO DEFEND OURSELVES!! When did we lose our contstitutional rights? This country is falling apart because of idiots like that in our police department and our government officials trying to take away every law abiding citizen's Rights! He should go to jail for endangering the children and assault on the woman, regardless if she got out of the car. She had a right to ask for proof. Just because they are cops doesn't mean you can't ask for proof of their so-called observations. They are liars just like the rest of the government workers looking out for themselves instead of the people. They are in that position to serve and protect US, not to assault a law abiding woman who most likely was not speeding since she obviously knew he was behind her. He pulled off the side of the road for her to pass him so he could pull her over. He must've been bored that day since that area isn't overloaded with drug dealers or violent hoods. AND it was the last day of the month and I'm sure he was behind on his "Quota"
Whether you are a housewife from Syracuse or a Harvard Professor with Cambridge you have to comply with an order from an officer of the law or face the consequences. She was wrong to get out of her car to argue with the officer. The time to plea your case is in court, not on the side of the road.
This officer should have made it clear to this woman that she had to stay in her vehicle for safety reasons or face arrest. We don't know if he did that because there is no audio on this video. However, it seems like an abuse of power to taze a woman in front of her kids over a traffic violation.
In sum, they both acted like jerks.
" tazing causes no longterm effects."
"FIRST: tazers do not cause injuries. In order to charge someone with assault there needs to be "physical injury". There was not, nor is niner woman claiming any. "
Gems like those from the morons here are laughable. First, tazers haven't been used long enough to gauge long term effects. A little research will show you this.
And you Esyrdad, how about you stay in E. Syr. and keep drinking the lead water. It obviously affects your brain and your posts. Tazers don't cause injury? Are you completely stupid?! Google it before sticking your foot in your mouth. I suppose those people that died from it weren't injured not to mention the burns it tends to leave on your skin...idiot.
"Wow! You posters are a bunch of idiots. You mock what you believe to be a lesser educated police officer in words"
No, you are, we mock an officer that used excessive force for the situation. He orders her in the vehicle then back out. Make up your mind, if you are so worried for safety you would call backup and wait...didn't do it though did he?
FIRST: tazers do not cause injuries. In order to charge someone with assault there needs to be "physical injury". There was not, nor is niner woman claiming any.
Death, burns, psychological? You don't have a clue. You are def. a village dweller.
"SECOND: take the tazer out of a police officer's hand and they have to deal with someone like this scumbag woman with their hands, Non-compliance authorizes the use of the tazer. Pepper spray also would have been acceptable, but you would be crying about that, too!"
Funny, I think they used to use something other than their hands BEFORE tazers were around...Pepper spray? When's the last time someone died from using Pepper spray. Seems they don't. Yet he takes the chance of killing the lady using the tazer...over a 5mph or cell phone ticket....screw him and you!
"THIRD: stay in the car and shut your mouth."
This one I totally agree with you on...but of course she GOT BACK IN HER VEHICLE IDIOT! If she was such a threat in the first place, he would/should have tazered her when she got out in the first place, not ordered her BACK OUT then doing it.
"FOURTH: there's a good chance that this officer did take a shot from a tazer. All have the option to do so, and most, EVEN THE WOMEN, do. They do so so as to have an idea of what the tazer does to a person and so they know what to expect of someone when they are being tazed."
Wuppie do!! Doesn't mean crap. You cops always try that crap but you neglect to say how it's done in a controlled environment and usually with an officer at each side to catch you when you fall....why? SO THEY DON'T GET INJURED FROM THE FALL GENIUS!!! Oh but I forgot, they don't cause injuries.....whatever.
FIFTH: The kids got a real eye opener on what not to do when confronted by the police. Mom set a great example by: 1)getting out of the car; 2)arguing with the officer; and 3)not doing what she was told. SHE CREATED THE ENTIRE SITUATION THAT CAUSED THE TAZER TO BE USED."
Good good, and rape victims cause their attacker to do it too right? Sorry, the cop is held to a higher standard...don't like it, don't be a cop, which you obviously are judging by your next comment.
"Oh, by the way, all you posters that want to hurt Deputy Andrews and other officers because of this matter, how about this: next time you deal with the police anywhwere, let them know what your screenname on this forum is and what you wrote about wanting to break ribs and "checks". Man-up! Don't hide behind the anonymity of this forum. Be proud, be loud!!! But you wouldn't be on here hiding if you were man and/or woman enough to say these things to an officer's face!
Jerks!"
Right, man up so the cops can beat them and then fabricate an excuse. See retaliation is something the cops love to do...but they hate it when they are called on it. Keep crying Esyrdad, and by God, keep drinking that copper/lead water in the Village...the city kids moving in have a higher IQ than most in the village due to lead based brain damage.
I know Sean and have worked with Sean for several years. I am not a Deputy but will say that he has always ben very professional when I have worked with him. I will go as far as to say that he is a very good police officer and is not a thug as suggested. I read these posts and it frustrates me to no end! Sean works nights, weekends and Holidays to protect you people who seem to judge him so quickly and negatively. He has to make life changing decisions in a fraction of a second. I admit the video does not show him in good light but what none of us knows is that if he gave her an order to initially get back into the car, then why didn't she comply? I'm scared or I want to see your proof is not an excuse! If that were the case then everyone we arrest would have to be tasered. Yes, we certainly do make mistakes but until all the facts are in you cannot make a fair judgement in this case. It takes many weeks or months to conduct these investigations. Witnesses need to be located and interviewed and legal counsel needs to be assigned and physical evidence needs to be reviewed and studied. Like any legal matter these cases take time to put together, not covered up as stated in one of the previous posts. We the public don't know what their conversation was during the stop. Every person involved has their own story or perception of what they think are the facts. Bottom line is that If a police officer gives you an order to stay in your car it's because of his training and to protect the safety of everyone. It's not for the public to question at that moment. She put Sean in a corner at that moment by failing to comply with his request and when he uttered those three words,(your under arrest) there is no rewind. If a police officer tells you that "your under arrest" then does not follow through with his statement then what kind of messege does that send to the public? Without talking to Sean I can only guess that he tasered the driver because he A) made the decision to arrest her and B) It would enable him to make the arrest without physical contact that often results in injury to either the officer, the defendant or both. I reasonably think that she was not going to be arrested without some level of force and the taser would provide enough force without elevating the force level ie. slamming her to the ground thus causing injury. I have been a police officer for 17 years and It is my professional opinion that none of this would have happened had Audra Harmon followed the instructions that she was given by Sean Andrews. Perhaps we can all learn a little from this. It's also very sad to think of how disrespectful you all can be to this guy who performs such a great service to our community every day and you label him and smear his four year career after only one questionable incident. It truely is a thankless job most days! I promise you that Sean doesn't asks for anything from you other than to be able to go home to his family at the end of his tour!!!
Most likely the deputy will be guilty of over reacting. But, everyone, I mean everyone knows the thing to do in a traffic stop is stay in the car with your hands on the wheel and wait for the officer to ask for license, registration and proof of insurance. If she had done that and not gotten out of the van, none of this would have happened. As a school-bus driver, she above all others knows about good training and obeying the rules. Any driver who attempts to follow the officer back to his or her car without an invitation is asking for the same thing. It's easy to say she wouldn't have attempted anything with the officer, but how did he know? How did he know he wouldn't turn around facing a gun or a knife? And one more thing; she said she was driving with her right hand against her face, looking to the deputy like she was talking on a phone. When is the last time you saw anyone driving like that? Think about it.
TASE HIM ONCE. TASE HIM TWICE. FIRE HIM THRICE.
Get his ass out of that uniform - he's a shameful disgrace.
You go mom, sue his ass!!!!
Resisting arrest? More like cranky soccer mom gets tasered by fool!!! If you look carefully the cop reaches for his gun first, now that would of been nice.
A combination of a punkass cop and a ignorant woman. All she had to do was stay in the car and let the dumbass cop write the ticket. She could of fought it in court and it would of been thrown out by 99.9% of judges. Instead she got out of the car with an attitude and officer Dumbass tased her.
Either you decide to comply with officer Dumbass and drive home or act like a biotch and get a seat on the pavement.
Hopefully officer Dumbass gets fired and Mrs Biotch learned she doesn't rule the streets like she does the house.
Many policemen are basically cowards; that is why they chose the position. When confronted with REAL criminals, they usually back off and don't pursue the situation out of fear; I have seen this personally when Sheriff's deputies have cowered before rowdy youths, hence, the great amount of unsolved or unpursued crimes in Syracuse. This deputy (from a very inferior law enforcement agency) shows his cowardice, his lack of communication skills, and his poor training in this video. He should be fired...I have spoken to people acquainted with him who recounted similar episodes of poor performance. Let us see Walsh, the incompetent who has overseen an organization filled with drunks, drug addicts, perverts, thieves and sadists, defend yet another miscreant in the police force.
I would have used my night stick on the biotch, but i'm not a cop, fire his butt NOW!
Gooner522.. I don't see where in the law it say arrest someone if they talk back to a cop. We are all adults. I think even if you are a cop.. You are an adult first. And the old saying goes treat others how you want to be treated. If a cop is coming out their mouth disrespectful. I will tell the cop to stop and to please respect me. I seen people be nice and have a low voice and the cop yelling at the top of their lungs. Tell the person shut your mouth, or shut up. I mean HELLO. Cops abuse the law they talk to you how they want BUT if you turn around and speak to them the same way. YOUR UNDER ARREST, really????????????? I have witness it, you have as well. If you remember the story of the cop who wouldn't let that NFL up to see his dying mom. Even after hospital officals told the cop nicely the same information. The cop was being nasty still. WHO IS THERE TO ARREST HIM? See my point.
ciceroone, I have a captains seat on the drivers side and drive with my head resting against my hand everyday. Not all of us who KNOW HOW TO DRIVE put both hands on the wheel at 10 and 2 and drive like robots. THINK ABOUT IT.
This story does not surprise me at all. I'm just glad it made the news for once. The Onondaga County Sheriff's Department along with many town and city police departments in the Syracuse, NY area have used unprofessional behavior for many, many, many years. It is not uncommon.
Syracuse New York is a very small city with too many police officers employed for such a small community. They drive around wasting gas looking for any small matter and intensify any small situation so they can somehow use their training and force for once in their lives (crime or no crime), and along with their overload of testosterone, it creates a situation where there was none. This story is a prime example.
I can sit in my suburban home and watch 10 police cars drive by within a 30 minute period. Sirens go off constantly. You would think I was living in Harlem rather than a low crime suburban area. It's ridiculous! I know there is lack of employment opportunities in CNY and quite possibly, this is one of the only employment ops available and our tax dollars are paying for this "OVER PROTECTION". To the point where these testosterone filled, abusive, egotistical, violent abusers get their jollies off and get paid for it. Enough is enough!
I have known several people that have experienced similar incidences and I do think this woman is doing the right thing by suing. More people should be doing this if they aren't already. If these police officers want to use their tasers so badly, then move to LA, or a high crime city, or practice on a target board, but don't practice on innocent people. CNY police officers need far better training and we really need to cut the force in half. They're wasting too much precious energy (fuel) and our tax dollars.
I agree with poster rng88. In more conservative republican States, this sort of thing rarely happens. "The job of a police force is to serve and protect the public", not abuse them!
I just wonder, if it is determined that this officer improperly used his taser gun, will he be charged with assault? The charges were dismissed against her, is anyone looking into charging the officer with a crime for assaulting this woman?
There's a cell phone law? Aparently not in syracuse they don't put it down even to drive...Send deputy clown to the spd head of cell phone patrol OOPs I forgot about civil rights sorry or just go after white people on phones
ryanheart, if that's your friend, you're as corrupt as he is.
So I'm confused here. The police officer arrested her and was going to leave the kids alone in the car? What the heck?
please i been tazered at least 4 times since the syracuse police started useing them, every time charges have been dismissed i think its a fair deal,i also am an alchaholic
please i been tazered at least 4 times since the syracuse police started useing them, every time charges have been dismissed i think its a fair deal,i also am an alchaholic
please i been tazered at least 4 times since the syracuse police started useing them, every time charges have been dismissed i think its a fair deal,i also am an alchaholic
Many people keep saying that this woman should not have gotten out of the car but the fact of the matter is that this man is paid to use his judgement, especially in matters of potentially deadly force, and tasers can kill people!!! He tasered her after she was complying with his orders! He had to pull her out of the car in order to taser her, that is assault! Is he going to lose his job for this? Is he going to be charged with a crime?
To those who are complaining about this happening in front of the kids in the vehicle, two things to think about:
1) She created the problem in the first place and apparently didn't care that her children saw it. The way I perceive the video is that she thinks she is RIGHT and the sheriff's deputy will pound sand before she gets a ticket.
2) I'm guessing (that's all I can do) that his mind was on other things than the kids that were behaving in the vehicle. I don't know about you but if I'm in a situation where things don't seem to be going well and I should be in control of the situation, I get tunnel vision. I'm focused on the problem at hand. Thank God the children behaved and did not contribute to any other problems.
I guess the author of this story has never heard of the term editorializing.
"The Taser probe, like a little arrow with a fish hook, stuck in Harmon's upper left chest. The jolt shook her."
Wow, it's like I'm reading some sort of novel, can we stick to the facts and stop loading stories with similes and metaphors?
Also, why is it necessary to know how much he makes a year? It was just thrown in there randomly that he makes 49K, what an awful author this guy is.
Thank God she wasn't Black. It would be on CNN
for the next month.
For all you folks that have never been a policeman let me make a comment. I was a Deputy Sheriff in Onondaga County-two sheriffs ago when people would have never been treated this way-guess it says a lot for the leadership-Patrick Corbett would never have allowed this type behavior from a deputy-but the current boss and previous boss are no Patrick Corbetts! This is a clear case of not just poor policework but bullying and insensitive behavior-PLEASE 50 in a 45 is not even worth a stop-I guess my point is please do not group all police officers with this obviously insensitive bully-there are a lot of damn good police officers out there that risk there life everyday and do not engage in this type behavior-also look at the top and hold them accountable-this idiot needs to go-he should never be allowed to deal with the public again! and.....maybe you all need a new sheriff!
Once the proverbial poop hits the fan regionally and nationally, the rules of engagement with certain civil servants may change drastically.
Another cop drunk with power, much like the Prof. Gates arrest last month. The guy was obviously embarrassed when he realized she wasn't on the phone and he had to make up some other excuse to detain her. This woman has a great case. The charges were dropped and the cop has been re-assigned. He's the one in trouble now.
getmoney315;
Before you can be something, you have to know how to spell it.....LOL
This guy may have over-reacted and should not have pulled her over in the first place. However, she should have saved her argument for the courtroom, not the side of the road.
I must say, there sure don't seem to be many "friends" of this woman, coming to her personal defense. She must be a real beaut.
Posted by colorblinded on 08/13/09 at 8:55AM
I just saw a cop this morning... Talking on his cell phone trying to look and make a left turn into traffic. I was just waiting for this police officer to cause an accident.
CHIEF OF POLICE WAKE UPPPPPPPPPPPPPP. WE SEE YOUR OFFICERS BREAKING THE LAW EVERYDAY... EVERYDAY OUT HERE. WAKE UP AND HANDLE IT BEFORE YOU HAVE A D.O.A. CAUSED BY ONE OF YOUR OFFICERS. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH ALREADY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by colorblinded on 08/13/09 at 9:29AM
BTOWNSBEST- Yes the law should be changed. What is the difference between them driving and talking and us citizens driving and talking.
the difference is that they use the phone the same way they used to use a radio, as a means of keeping in contact with each other in pursuit of there duties!
weather the officer was right or Wong in the ticket, she made HERSELF wrong by getting out of the car! a fine example for her children! YOU DO WHAT THE OFFICER SAYS, THEN HAVE YOUR DAY IN COURT!
I do think he got carried away with himself to say the least! but she should have STAYED IN THE CAR!
Lesson to be learned? Don't get out of the car.. NEVER GET OUT AFTER YOU ARE PULLED OVER UNLESS TOLD TO DO SO BY THE OFFICER...
I feel bad for the kids.. horrible thing to witness..
How was the officer to know she wasn't packin'? Just because she was a mom, female and smaller than the officer doesn't mean a thing.
Tis a very confrontational move to "greet" the officer out of your vehicle...
And of course' the "always" lawsuit to sooth the bruised ego.
Driving 101.
Another under trained officer. This guy has no business being in law enforcement. He should be fired and charged with abuse of his powers.
Wow! The DA dropped the charges. Not a good sign for Walsh and co. Maybe she did wrong by getting out of the car but its a bit premature to pull the taser. I doubt the officer feared for his life. If she was being belligerant he could have slapped the cuffs on her instead. No reason for the taser.
The reporting is a little slanted...
"He told her to get back in. She did, then he ordered her back out."
The report should read
"He told her to get back in the minivan, she refused, he ordered he to get back in a second time, she refused, he ordered he to get back in a third time, and she refused. He then pointed the taser at her and told her she was under arrest. Then she got back in the vehicle. The officer then ordered her to get out of the vehicle, she refused. The officer was forced to remove Harmon from the vehicle..."
He could have used better discretion, especially in front of the kids, but it was her fault.
you have got to be kidding me with this guy! she was NO threat!!! and then his tactic to get her out of the van is to tug her arm?! so much for defensive tactics!! did you learn that in the academy?! I feel so bad for her, that had to be traumatizing! and in front of her kids that had to be picked up! come on! so much for community policing! it's all about arrests not making our neighborhoods a safer place and having good relatinships with the cops that patrol your neighborhood.
It was NOT her fault. When the cop realized she wasn't on the phone, he should have said, 'Sorry, have a nice day.' Just like the Prof. Gates arrest last month, it's a case of a cop being embarrassed when he knows he's wrong and then trying to get egg off his face. He escalated the situation
I don't normally comment on much of the drivvel considered "news" on Syracuse.com, but this one is certainly worth mentioning. This sickens me to no end. I am not a litigious person and get tired of hearing of people who think "sue first", but she should absolutely sue the pants off of Onondaga County for allowing such a menace to "patrol" our streets...I had to laugh at the "speeding" charge of 50 in a 45...reminds of this jackass who used to be a village of Liverpool cop (someone with the last name Sacco, which I realize there are millions of in Syracuse - can't remember his first name; was there in the early to mid 90's) and he would routinely pull people over for going 32 in a 30 (in the village)...Bottom line is this "police officer", Sean Andrews (or the afore mentioned Officer Jackass Sacco for that matter), should never be allowed to be a police officer again.
Everyone here is so stupid, a taser is not used when you feel that your life is threatened, that's what the GUN is for.
Stop mentioning Professor Gates too, he deserved everything he got also.
I think more national news agencies should get a hold of this story. This is just one of the thousands of flubs made by Syracuse, NY area police officers, not just the Onon. Sheriffs. The Syracuse area has some of the most unprofessional police force agencies in the country. FACT!
I think CNN and Fox News should run this clip. CNY taxpayers have been paying for these abusive, so called police officers for many, many years. I once heard Jay Leno make a joke about Syracuse law enforcement. The audience thought it was a joke (it wasn't). It is a joke!
Mancuse - you just beat me to the punch on that one. Why did she get out of the car??
This Sheriff was out of control and should not have tazered this woman. He obviously has issues and I hope they do make an example of him. Just because you are a police officer does not make you ruler of all and you need to use common sense. Yes, you are in a tough and dangerous job; however, that's your job and you chose to do it for a living.
However, unless you are hiding under a rock you have to realize....DON'T GET OUT OF THE CAR! LISTEN TO THE COP! Don't provoke them on the road side. There are too many situation where police during routine traffic stops end up dead because someone hops out of a car and pulls a gun on them. Save the argument for the courtroom. ESPECIALLY IF YOUR KIDS ARE IN THE CAR!!! I don't care how right I think I am if my kids are in the car I will explain the situation to them and fight the good fight later. Getting out of the car only makes it worse. Part of the trauma I am sure her kids went thru is her fault as well. Your job as a parent is more important that you being right!!
At a couple points from his posture you could tell he was nervous, but wanted to give her the benefit of the doubt, but in the end they both made very poor decisions. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.
The deputy was clearly wrong and as a retired deputy here's why:
He jumped the use of force continuoum by 2 steps by applying the taser first instead of using a continued verbal command to get out of the vehicle
Then he should have 'guided' her out of the vehicle IE used his bare hand tactics to get her out of the car and put her hands behind her back in a standing position.
When her failure to comply with the hands command ffailed he then was able to bring her down to the ground using physical force.
The taser is to be used when he is unable to bring her to the floor on his own.
He is 6' 2" for gods sake!
Sgt Pag always said " We shoot ourselves in the foot every day out there! Use your heads!"
He not only faces civil charges from her, he will face grand jury action as ALL force in NYS is considered illegal, then he will face federal charges. Even if he wins he will be broke for years paying off legal representation.
And we the taxpayers will pay for all the legal proceedings to take place. If he was a man he would resign immediatly.
I'll join in and side with Officer Andrews here. Getting out of your vehicle without being requested is an act of aggression. Responding to a direct command with an unrelated question is also aggressive behavior. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Straight out refusing an order because you're scared or for any other reason is resisting arrest. You read all the time about a routine traffic stop turning into something more dangerous, even in broad daylight with children in the car. Wasn't it just a drunk mom in a mini-van full of kids that crashed and killed them all a week or so ago?
That being said, isn't it great that he had a taser. Before tasers getting a person out of a car after refusing an order would've involved a billy club. The car side scene might have involved a drawn pistol. If she would've reached for a pocket, glove box, etc. without prompting she might have ended up dead as has happened in the past. It's important to behave appropriately and cooperate fully when stopped by an officer of the law regardless of your guilt or innocence.
TG4444
What part are you stuck on? "He tasered her after she was complying with his orders! He had to pull her out of the car in order to taser her, that is assault!"
He told her to get back in the car three times....she refused. Thats NOT complying. He then told her she was under arrest and to put her hands behind her back...she refused and THEN got back in the car....thats NOT complying. He then pulls her from the vehicle to make the arrest and she resists....again...NOT complying. Thats when she gets tasered. SHE created this problem. What a great mom...teaching her kids to have no respect.
This happens in Marcellus all the time.... You just don't know about it. HEE HEE
Oh by the way,
This rant is a bit old 61/2 month old post arrest?
Get over it ....Next!!!!!
Even if this woman WAS guilty of talking on a cell phone AND speeding, this clown of a cop had no right to tazer the woman! Give her a freaking ticket and let her go like most police officers do. Why tackle her to the ground and tazer her? Just another example of a guy given a few minutes of "power" and has to show everyone he's "boss". If I am Walsh, I fire this moron ASAP! A posterboy for what NOT to be in a police officer. This video should be shown in every jurisdiction in America, of what NOT to do.
this is to LT. Tom Metz.....you need to get rid of numero uno..Walsh.....it has to start at the top....he's an idiot, Andrews is an idiot, and soccer mom is an idiot....the so called sherriffs should loose their jobs, and she should lose her case...they're all LOOOOSERS...I know many sherriffs and cops, and they are good guys. I hope everyone knows the sherriff's department is very political and unfair to many of their own as far as who is the best qualified for a position vs who the head honcho ie: Walsh, wants in a position.....So what does this have to do with the rougue cop ? Plenty, where there is discontent in a work place, people get out of
control and judgement is impaired.
"Peace Officers" you wonder why you get so little respect. Mr. Andrews exhibited incredibly poor judgement throughout the incident. Yes the woman should have remained in her vehicle, but his charges were arbitrary, his use of the Taser suspect and his lack of judgement in leaving two minors alone in the vehicle was criminal. Note to Sheriff Walsh - if you can't make a decision about this incident since January, it is time for you to resign.
Thank goodness he had a taser. Just what would have happened if all he had was his gun
gotalovadog - Trust me on this the officers I seen on the cell phone were not going to ANY emergencies what so ever. Police Radio ok. Using the cell phone in order to give important information to other officers OK. BUT that is not the cases I am talking about. People on this blog have seen it too. Cops just cit cahtiing on there cell, laughing and having a good convo.
BUT if they are allowed to use their phone I don't think talking for a good 5 min laughing on the phone does'nt look like an emergency to me... Please don't act like every police we see on their celly are pursing any crimes at that time. 4 times of 5 it's a personal call.
Facts:
Mom with kids in the car.
Pulled over for cell phone, maybe paced for 50 in a 45 but no radar to back that up.
Nothing in the report about foul language or threatening moves on the moms part.
Told to get back in the car. Told to get out of the car.
Mom didn't comply with all commands. No backup called.
Tazed!!!!!!!!!!!
Put yourself in that situation with your kids in the car and a cop that got or was already pissed off that day with a tazer. I'm not getting out of the car either. Cop went overboard and there is no doubt about it.
280+ comments....
Wow!
Obviously there is way more going on here. I wonder if there is a leader out there who is capable of bringing together the citizenry and police to create an atmosphere of mutual understanding and trust. It seems apparent that both sides are severely deficient when it comes to civic behavior. I am not just speaking of this situation, or Gates in MA. This is a national/global issue as evidenced by the amount and tone of the posts here.
Watching this video is sickening. I am ill. This "animal" deserves to be thrown in state prison. How can he get away with physical assault on a citizen who committed no crime? I help pay this animal's salary. He needs to be fired now! I need to know nothing more than to read HIS statement and watch the video to know she did nothing worth being tased, thrown to the ground with a knee in the back, and cuffed. I hope the county is sued to the hilt on this one. I might even consider a civil suit for the pain the children had to endure by watching this wild animal attack their mother for no reason.
Alright, first of all, a ticket it not a conviction. Second, the officer is not required to "prove" anything when the ticket is issued, and she had no right to demand such proof at that time. That's what trials are for. Third, getting out of your vehicle and approaching any officer is a great way to needlessley escalate a situation.
All she had to do was go to court with a copy of her phone bill (all your calls have date & time stamps attached to them) and the charges would have been dismissed. Not to mention the fact that I've never heard of anyone being convicted of going 5 MPH over the speed limit...those are usually dismissed automatically unless you have lots of speeding convictions.
And one other thing...I'm so tired of people PROFILING certain individuals as "non-threats" just because of their race, age, gender, and whether or not they have kids in tow.
She got out of that car and approached that officer. Approaching the officer uninvited is rule #1 in WHAT NOT TO DO when pulled over.
30 years ago middle aged Vietnamese women wrapped their babies in dynamite just so they could dump them at U.S. bases and take out a few G.I.'s. The Soviet Union used female partisans behind the German lines during WWII with deadly effect, because most of the German troops didn't consider them "threats." Today's gang bangers and drug dealers are ever more increasingly becoming women of all ages and races, especially with meth use among middle aged whites on the rise. There are even children among the ranks of the insurgents taking pop shots at our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. ...and then you people have the nerve to label them "baby killers."
She brought this all on herself. The officer may have overreacted some, but she was the chief antagonist here.
Alright, first of all, a ticket it not a conviction. Second, the officer is not required to "prove" anything when the ticket is issued, and she had no right to demand such proof at that time. That's what trials are for. Third, getting out of your vehicle and approaching any officer is a great way to needlessley escalate a situation.
All she had to do was go to court with a copy of her phone bill (all your calls have date & time stamps attached to them) and the charges would have been dismissed. Not to mention the fact that I've never heard of anyone being convicted of going 5 MPH over the speed limit...those are usually dismissed automatically unless you have lots of speeding convictions.
And one other thing...I'm so tired of people PROFILING certain individuals as "non-threats" just because of their race, age, gender, and whether or not they have kids in tow.
She got out of that car and approached that officer. Approaching the officer uninvited is rule #1 in WHAT NOT TO DO when pulled over.
30 years ago middle aged Vietnamese women wrapped their babies in dynamite just so they could dump them at U.S. bases and take out a few G.I.'s. The Soviet Union used female partisans behind the German lines during WWII with deadly effect, because most of the German troops didn't consider them "threats." Today's gang bangers and drug dealers are ever more increasingly becoming women of all ages and races, especially with meth use among middle aged whites on the rise. There are even children among the ranks of the insurgents taking pop shots at our troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. ...and then you people have the nerve to label them "baby killers."
She brought this all on herself. The officer may have overreacted some, but she was the chief antagonist here.
Another example of cops thinking they are above all and think they can do anything. This cop should be fired, put in jail andforced to share a cell with a real criminal. Better start limbering up J*rk O*F
What a hero. Glad this doesn't happen every day in Marcellus.
It is very sad that this officer acted this way, it really hurts other good officers. It is very evident that this officer will not be on the road again. Somehow he slipped through and his on going training through four years and had not picked up on him. Everyone has a story about a cop, how they were picked on, what ever. Just remember they are not all like this and I still will call for a cop if needed.
I don't feel bad for the kids at all. I'm sure it was horrible at the time but that makes for an awesome story later in life. Think about it. You're on a date and you tell this story: "Let me tell you about the time my mom got tazered by a cop because he thought she was on the phone." That is comedy gold. I wish I had that story to tell.
This is what happens when two morons cross paths. One gets tazered, one looses a cushy county job. The only winner is those of us who find the video hilarious.
he should have called wayne brady and dave chapelle for back up. also, would you let your children get on a bus with this lady?
This is a perfect example of a learned behavior.
You are caught maybe doing something wrong. But instead of talking it out and listening to the Police you act like a 5 year old Child and not following directions.
This is just an attempt to get the Police to over react and you end up with no charges.....how many times have we seen this before?
Does the Police Dept think she is going to drop her Lawsuit because they drop the charges? NO. In fact it supports her Lawsuit. They should have kept the charges and added the charges for not following a Lawful Order, and resisting arrest.
Now I wonder how many copycat's are going to try this to get out of a ticket?
Perhaps Sheriff Walsh needs to conduct some refresher training on how the officer could diffuse a situation of being challenged by using some finesse of verbiage before escalating to force.
The two children showed restraint in not coming to their mother's aid. I can't help but think my younger children would have come out the moonroof, windows and door to defend their Mother after seeing this, no matter what.
Just some food for thought............I heard that the husband had come to pick up the children as stated in the article. When he was told of what had happened his response was something to the effect of " Im sure whatever she did.....she deserved it".
Maybe she should have stayed in her car and take her 5MPH speeding ticket to court. Like everything else in this county including homicides it would have been dismissed or reduced anyway.
I really dont care about this issue but it seems like commonsense has gone out the window with some of these posts.
My initial reaction to reading the story was serious disgust with the police officer. Then I watched the video. While it is disturbing to see a woman getting tasered knowing her children are right there in the vehicle, it's clear on the video that she was not obeying the officer.
It seem like he could have at least tried to place her in handcuffs when he first pulled her out of the car instead of resorting to the taser, but she resisted and disobeyed orders multiple times. What did she think was going to happen? If you ignore what an officer of the law is instructing you to do, should he just let it slide? If you disagree with an officer you don't just do your own thing and get away with it.
I would never get out of my vehicle during a routine traffic stop - nor would the majority of people. A person who gets out of their vehicle demanding to see the proof that they were speeding can certainly be consider a threat to the officer.
I don't think she should get anything in court and I don't think he should lose his job.
I sympathize with this woman, but how can you blame it on "lack of training? If cops need to be "trained" not to terrorize and tazer harmless citizens, then they shouldn't be cops in the first place.
Fat a** should of stayed in her van like the officer told her to do, instead of getting out when he had his back turned. Who knows if she might have a gun or knife? You see police chases and videos all the time where crazy women are driving 100 MPH with a baby in the back or stabbing someone in plain daylight. Instead of being a prick and staying outside the vehicle (even her son was telling her to get back in) she decides to try and get the video from the sheriff of her going 5 over? That's why they give you a court appearance lady, so you can go over the evidence and dispute your ticket. Chances are at only 5 over you would get it reduced or taken away completely. You deserve it lady.
"How can he get away with physical assault on a citizen who committed no crime?"
SHE RESISTED ARREST AND THAT IS A CRIME!
It is truly pathetic that people would justify her complete disregard for the laws. She created a hazard by arguing with the officer on the side of the road. This placed her and the officer's safety in jeapordy. The deputy over reacted but she created the entire situation. Another example of a liberal society giving people excuses for their actions. She has no one to blame but herself. Furthermore, a study was done and you are more likely to die from a lightening strike then from being tased. We have truly become a pathetic society that respects no one. We are rasing our children the same way. We don't even respect ourselves and that is why welfare is now a badge of honor. Having kids at 15 is cool. We are truly pathetic!
First of all, trying to have a conversation with a police officer after getting pulled over is not an option. All they tell you is: if you don't like it, take it to court. Some people just don't have the time to loss from work to take it to court & sometimes it just isn't worth it when it comes down to HE SAID SHE SAID. Even when you try & have a calm conversation, it doesn't work. I've seen alot of of police officers who have attitudes, go threw lights with their lights on just to stop at a restaurant to eat. As far as this case: I believe this cop should not be on the force.
The cop did nothing wrong here. You do not get out of the vehicle on a traffic stop. I wish there was audio, but it is obvious without it that the woman was told to get back in the vehicle and refused. When she refused the officer placed her under arrest. She then decided to comply with his earlier request and get back in... well too late. You have to think like the cop. Cops can only react to the situations that they are presented with. In this case you have a woman who fails to comply with simple instructions and is obviously resisting arrest. No she didn't throw punches at the cop, but how is he to know that there is not a weapon in the vehicle that she is trying to get at when she wants to get back in. If this cop were your family member you would want him to come home and night and that means not becoming complacent. Just because this is I white woman in the suburbs driving a minivan with kids in the back does not mean that she poses no threat to that officer. It is that attitude that gets cops killed.
People keep saying they feel bad for the kids. I don't feel bad for them at all. I'd love to be able to tell this story later in life. "Did I ever tell you about the time my mom got tazered because the cop thought she was on the phone?" Comedy gold!!
I guess this is what happens when two morons cross paths though. One gets tazered, one looses the cushy county gig and can't bully people anymore. I bet she gets a nice tax payer sponsored pay day out of this though.
we know that cop, he's been in trouble before. he's a nut, he needs to be off the street permanently .
Also... the taser probes must not have made very good contact because if they did she would have dropped like a brick. She was in control and could have complied with the officers requests.
Andrews ... sad to say ... is just your typical cop.
A moron on a power trip with a badge to hide behind.
This POS "police officer" ( he is actually the poster boy for the term PIG) needs to be busted, fired, stripped of all his benefits, and handed his flashlight so he can start a new career as a secruity guard making minimum wage.
What a LOSER this punk Andrews is.
I think he is, unfortunately, like most cops you encounter these days.
This woman got what she deserved. She dissed the law and she got what was coming. It's too bad the audio was malfunctioning otherwise we could have heard the officer begging her to remain in the vehicle. Now, an upstanding officer has to go through this public humiliation.
Verbal harassment? That is what the idiot cop at Harvard claimed. People ... don't be sheep ... it is NOT against the law to disagree with a cop. It is not agaisnt the law to tell him he is wrong. It is not against the law to ask for a name and a badge number. She followed orders, he over reacted.
Somebody needs to get this clown, when he doesn't have his gun and his badge and beat the living snot out of him.
I would like to sympathize with this women as well but, I think everyone is responding the same way because they know the end result. However, what if the police officer had got hurt in the end of this scenario? Then everyone would be asking the question, why didn't he protect himself. Being a police officer is no easy job these days. I know from personal experience that the police officer always tells you to stay in the car. I assume that he was telling her to get back into the car. The whole scenario began with her first getting out of the car, and not getting back into the car when advised to do so. If our children did that, we would call them rebellious and obstinate. Sounds like two characteristics of a criminal. She decide to obey when he said "you are under arrest". Then she complicated matters by now resisting arrest. I am not a police officer (and I certainly don't want to be) however, we would hope that our law abiding citizens wouldn't make his job so difficult. Maybe he did use force unnecessarily but, I must say the woman actions was also a contributory factor in this matter - and not in the right direction. What example did she leave for her 15 year old?
harper333,
""This is a perfect example of a learned behavior.
You are caught maybe doing something wrong. But instead of talking it out and listening to the Police you act like a 5 year old Child and not following directions.""
I completely agree with you. Showing outrage does nothing except make you look like a complete fool. Its not going to change the Police Officer's mind at all, but if you sit, do what you are asked to do, and are respectful you would be AMAZED at how things can turn out. I was recently stopped by NYS Police on I81 for failure to signal a lane change, and after doing as I asked, not yelling like a moron, and being respectful and actually talking with the Officer and not AT the Officer, he let me go with a warning. Now, he may have done that anyway, but if I had been like this woman with the NYS Police, I would have probably ended up being tased, and rightfully so.
Respect works both ways, and when you are dealing with someone that has a taser, and a loaded weapon and handcuffs, its a good thing to just behave. Throw your fits at home.
simmerfolks,
you are absolutely correct... you don't think.
4 Fabricated Charges
1 Assault
1 Violation of a Citizens Constitutional Rights
...the fact that there are apparently numerous central new yorkers who would love to see the United States run like North Korea... priceless.
To all of you saying the woman didn't obey the officer.
That does not change the fact that excessive force was used. Police officers are not allowed to torture people. End of story.
I've been pulled over multiple times, and not once have I ever got out of my car, or been asked to get out for anything, much less a routine stop for going 5 over. While the cop did go a little overboard, this lady was asking for it. Getting out of the car when the officer turned his back (i'm sure he thought something was up for her to get out b/c of such a minor offense) not doing what the officer told her to do, and then on top of it all she's getting back in the car and fighting him when she had already been placed under arrest. IF you really cared about your kids lady you wouldn't have fought with the guy right in front of them; and how stupid are you to think that your kids would be safer with some passing strangers than in police custody? Your insane to think they'd do something to harm your children.
Another reason why there needs to be some dialogue on the issue of police power.
People- I am reading a lot of ignorant posts about how she did something wrong. She did nothing wrong in the first place. She wasn't on her cell phone and she wasn't speeding. The officer can't prove that without radar. What a joke on his part to say he was following her and she was going 5 over. Obviously the DA had to drop the charges. She did overreact by getting out of the car, but she shouldn't have been tasered for that. She was an innocent victim and couldn't believe she was being charged for crimes she didn't committ. What a joke our police force is. I am embarrassed by them. I sent this article to CNN hoping it gets national attention so they will wake up. This puke of an officer used such poor judgement, once she got back into her car, he should have been disciplined enough to go back to his car write up all of her tickets, speeding, cell phone and disorderly conduct and go from there. What does he do, he yanks her out of the car and tasers her. Now that is professionalism at its best. It is rather disguisting and appalling to watch. So now our tax dollars are still paying this puke, and the county will settle with the man handled victim. Bottom line- this idiot is going to cost us and should be let go immediately!
If this Officers behavior is unacceptable to you, call 435-3044 and ask to speak with Sheriff Walsh. He is an elected official who is waiting to hear about your concerns.
This white trash overweight bad hair day women with her mini van never shut up. She must be a real great bus driver, feel sorry for the school kids as well as her own, the poor husband. This woman thinks she is the BOSS of everything and every situation, I am sure of it, go back and look at the video, She never shut up. I am sure if there had been sound we would all hear her, She started the minute he got to the window of the van. Who is she GOD, maybe in her house or where she works, but she finally got someone to put her in her place, And she will get away with it AGAIN. He never told her to get out of the van, she made that choice, not anyone eles. I believe it's all about POWER with both of them, but he has the badge. Maybe with all the money we will be paying her she can retire and our children will have a quit ride to school now. Maybe she should be checked out. Does she speed with the school bus? I bet she does, because how many times do you see a school bus pulled over, never, because they follow all the rules right. Way to go Mrs white trash, thanks for raiseing our taxes. Thanks to you Mr power trip way to go.
What gets me people is it's easy for all of you to write Syracuse.com anonymously. If you want this guy punished and quickly, call the Mayor's office, call the Onondaga Sheriff's office, Call Joney Mahoney's office, and pester the crap out of them. Do you think any of these offices care what you write here? I doubt it very much.
bmw325xi-
Seriously you don't get it. The lady was innocent and wanted to see that she was speeding. Obviously the cop couldn't prove it. The cop is wrong in every avenue. He made up the speeding charge after realizing she wasn't on her cell phone which she can prove. It isn't ok for our police force to operate in this manner. The more I think about it I am glad she got out of the car because this will exploit how poor some officers behave. If she didn't get out this would have gone unnoticed. I do agree with you that it isn't good practice to get out of your car when being pulled over by a cop, but the cop was the one that caused the entire situation by falsely accusing her of being on her cell phone and speeding. That is such injustice, then the **$%#, has the nerve to yank a lady out of her car and taser her after he caused the entire situation in the first place. Why couldn't he have just let it go when she had proof she wasn't on her cell phone. Was it because he needed to meet his quota, was it because he is an uneducated derelict that feels secure when he uses his authority. I don't know the answer, but I do know this- this video should be used as a training video by all police departments in the future. Think before you speak bmw325xi...
bmw325xi-
Seriously you don't get it. The lady was innocent and wanted to see that she was speeding. Obviously the cop couldn't prove it. The cop is wrong in every avenue. He made up the speeding charge after realizing she wasn't on her cell phone which she can prove. It isn't ok for our police force to operate in this manner. The more I think about it I am glad she got out of the car because this will exploit how poor some officers behave. If she didn't get out this would have gone unnoticed. I do agree with you that it isn't good practice to get out of your car when being pulled over by a cop, but the cop was the one that caused the entire situation by falsely accusing her of being on her cell phone and speeding. That is such injustice, then the **$%#, has the nerve to yank a lady out of her car and taser her after he caused the entire situation in the first place. Why couldn't he have just let it go when she had proof she wasn't on her cell phone. Was it because he needed to meet his quota, was it because he is an uneducated derelict that feels secure when he uses his authority. I don't know the answer, but I do know this- this video should be used as a training video by all police departments in the future. Think before you speak bmw325xi...
Ok I am going to take what appears to be the unpopular side of this story. I do not agree that the only person in the wrong in this situation is the officer. During a traffic stop you are only asking for trouble by getting out of your vehicle. It appeared to me by her manner that she was being confrontational with the officer. By her own words she was confronting the officer for video proof of why he pulled her over. A traffic stop does not mean that you agrue the evidence presented by the officer. Save that for the DA or court. She, by her own admission was asked at least twice to get back into the car but she continued to confront the officer for evidence. Because your a mom of 3 and drive a minivan does not mean you can break the law or demand video evidance on the roadside. The officer has no clue what type of person this is or what she was capable of doing. The officer's first responsiblity is to secure the situation. If the person they are dealing with is not compliant then what choice does he or she have. Taser maybe to much but she should face charges as well. In my opinion it's another silly lawsuit. Why did she get out of the vehicle? Why was she confronting him? Was a taser too much? Who knows my life was not on the line. You may say his wasn't either but how would he know that? Stay in the vehicle! Do not become confrontaional! Write a letter to the DA most times tickets will be dropped or reduced. She should be embarrassed that she showed her children that its ok to challange law enforcement. Instead of teaching them to respect the law.
Posted by uberPatriot on 08/13/09 at 1:21PM, "She followed orders, he over reacted". Although I agree he over reacted at which point did she follow orders? Never, is the answer! She acted like a child. When I count to three with my child I expect her to not allow me to get to three. If I get to three it's too late and she is still getting punished. This lady refused to get in the car until the officer got to three (in a sense) and told her she was under arrest. Then and only then did she jumped in the car. Too late........... I cannot believe all of the people that condone this behavior. She showed a complete disrespect for the law, the officer and her children by acting like a child.
Ok, so the guy went overboard. But this stupid ignorant woman was completely incapable of simply listening to VERY SIMPLE instructions from the officer. Anybody over the age of 10 knows not to get out of a car when an officer pulls you over. She is a complete idiot. Further, she suffered no damages and her lawsuit will go nowhere.
Can't fix stupid and in this case both the cop AND the woman were the prom king and queen of stupid. She, as a holder of a NYS Drivers License should be familar with the rules of the road, including the protocol when being stopped by a law enforcement officer. She should have never gotten out of the car. Her refusal to stay in the car and her insistance to see the tape showed the officer that she was unable to respond to a verbal command. The officer had no way of knowing if she was a soccer mom or a fruitloop that carried a weapon. But the friggin genius he seems to be excercised extreme poor judgement in the use of force and by dragging her out in the middle of the road put them both in danger of approaching traffic. Should he be reprimanded absolutely, should she get money for her stupidity absolutely not.
Very funny WhatRights. Here's how I see it:
5 wrong moves on the part of the driver
(1. getting out of the car during a routine traffic stop, 2. not getting back in the car, 3. not getting back in the car the second time the officer told her to, 4. getting in the car after the officer told her she is under arrest and 5. then not getting back out of the car after that!)
2 children traumatized because their mother chose to disobey a police officer
1 unruly woman who couldn't keep her mouth shut and wait for her day in court to dispute a 5mph over the limit ticket
Someone who actually thinks it's a constitutional right to disobey an officer of the law...priceless.
"Posted by bmw325xi on 08/13/09 at 1:13PM
That's why they give you a court appearance lady, so you can go over the evidence and dispute your ticket. Chances are at only 5 over you would get it reduced or taken away completely. You deserve it lady."
Oh look, another person that doesn't even know what they are talking about. What a big surprise. Ok here ya go BMW:
They give you a court appearance on a traffic ticket so you can plead guilty or not guilty. You don't discuss the case, you are told to write the DA. The Judge doesn't make an offer of reduction, the DA or Assistant DA does. Please make a note of this as people like you that think you can actually accomplish anything in Court on a traffic matter are sadly mistaken. You also don't go over "evidence" as you call it. That happens in a trial, something you don't normally have for a traffic ticket and good luck finding a lawyer that will take a speeding ticket to trial. They would be cutting their own throat with the DA's office. Get a clue please and stop talking about things which you have no idea about.
This event has set back police relations back to the 1960's. The Deputy made a terrible mistake and it reflects on all police officers.
It is time to get off the Ego trip and do what you took an oath to do: To up hold the laws of NYS and protect and serve do help you God.
I hope this woman wins her suit and this deputy is benched to a custody job in the State Street Hotel. Bad decision Deputy you were not thinking for which you are paid for to do.
God bless the kids, that they recover and respect the police when they grow up.
This event has set back police relations back to the 1960's. The Deputy made a terrible mistake and it reflects on all police officers.
It is time to get off the Ego trip and do what you took an oath to do: To up hold the laws of NYS and protect and serve do help you God.
I hope this woman wins her suit and this deputy is benched to a custody job in the State Street Hotel. Bad decision Deputy you were not thinking for which you are paid for to do.
God bless the kids, that they recover and respect the police when they grow up.
5 mph over? Based on a tail? When was the last time the cruiser's speedometer was certified? Because if it wasn't then there was no case. Oh the DA threw out the ticket? There was no case. Personally I've heard enough about Tasers on folks who don't deserve them. Ban all tasers! Electrocuting people is not safe. Just ask any doctor. Bring back the billy club, you heal from bruises.
"cnylurker on 08/13/09 at 12:24PM
You read all the time about a routine traffic stop turning into something more dangerous, even in broad daylight with children in the car. Wasn't it just a drunk mom in a mini-van full of kids that crashed and killed them all a week or so ago?"
Wow, great analogy. That women wasn't being stopped by an officer. Why don't you compare this to the vietnam war like other idiots have done?
camillusmom2,
Hopefully police injustice will happen to you, (it's really hard to avoid it) and then you will see that police are the scum of the earth!
I am sure we'll see more and more stories like this and people like yourself, the "sheep", will be happy to be lead off to the slaughter.
WAKE UP PEOPLE!
I'm in agreement with most of the comments here. We can't lay all the blame on one or the other, they're both at fault. Harmon should have initially complied with the officer and not have gotten out of her van, but he had no business pulling the taser on her, especially in front of the kids. He should have just let her show him the phone log.
Posted by blssmeisnzd on 08/13/09 at 9:56AM
Hmm a possibly bogus ticket given on Jan 31st... Could he have been a few short of his "quota" for the month? Just throwing it out there...
I'm sure that had something to do with it as well. I always see the cops out on the last of the month looking for any excuse to throw tickets at (mostly) undeserving drivers. God forbid they actually do what they're supposed to and keep society safe for its law-abiding citizens...
I've noticed that some here who are upset about how this woman has rights that include screaming, complaining or protesting to the officer on the road and getting out of her vehicle during a traffic stop are some of the same ones complaining about how unruly and nasty our citizens voicing their opinions about national healthcare are at the Town Hall meetings.
I'm in agreement with most of the comments here. We can't lay all the blame on one or the other, they're both at fault. Harmon should have initially complied with the officer and not have gotten out of her van, but he had no business pulling the taser on her, especially in front of the kids. He should have just let her show him the phone log.
Posted by blssmeisnzd on 08/13/09 at 9:56AM
Hmm a possibly bogus ticket given on Jan 31st... Could he have been a few short of his "quota" for the month? Just throwing it out there...
I'm sure that had something to do with it as well. I always see the cops out on the last of the month looking for any excuse to throw tickets at (mostly) undeserving drivers. God forbid they actually do what they're supposed to and keep society safe for its law-abiding citizens...
Wow now every soccer mom is going to be running out of their vehicle wanting to see the "tape" and proof the officer has against them. Don't tase me bro!
Everyone is so quick to bash this officer. First, how about we hear the other side as well, instead of a narrated video from the 'victim'. Second, if you decide to be special and ignore the officers requests, expect consequences.
She SHOULD HAVE LISTENED TO HIM. If she had listened to just one of his multiple requests to get back in the car, none of this would have happened. Of course she doesn’t look like a threat, who determines what is and is not a threat when the person does not listen to the officer ? Do as the officer requests and there will be no problems.
Unfortunately people see this as a nice little white lady with her kids. I guess white women with kids who choose to ignore the law cannot pose a threat, and should be able to make their own rules when confronted by an officer.
WOW!!! Over 300 posts. It will be interesting to see if the woman wins her lawsuit.
to sykosis:
The Liverpool cop you are referring to from years ago is Patrick Sacco.He worked for the Jordan Police Dept. several years ago.I have known him (as a cop) since 1979.He is a Bully. He was arrested for harassment along w/2 others at the Liverpool Police Dept.I think it had to do with some woman they were harassing.
Good post Hamemt you have a point. In this letigious world she may have a case. But it would have been better if we didn't have to deal with it at all. Can't they find cops with a half a brain to do this job?
http://digg.com/people/Mom_in_minivan_tasered_twice_while_kids_look_on
Feel free to digg this story to make it national. You can read about the other guy here who got tasered and asked "Is that all you got?" lol
You'd all be defending HER if she were a little hottie in her early 20's with boobs hanging out wouldn't you? Notice how appearance makes all the difference!! Oh and if she was a little hottie this would have never happened, big mouth or NOT!!
UNREAL, glad 2 see some more scumbag cops had time 2 post about this. go home and beat your wife some more cuz she wont listen 2 you. Drink your life away and rot in hell
I'm in agreement with most of the comments here. We can't lay all the blame on one or the other, they're both at fault. Harmon should have initially complied with the officer and not have gotten out of her van, but he had no business pulling the taser on her, especially in front of the kids. He should have just let her show him the phone log.
Posted by blssmeisnzd on 08/13/09 at 9:56AM
Hmm a possibly bogus ticket given on Jan 31st... Could he have been a few short of his "quota" for the month? Just throwing it out there...
I'm sure that had something to do with it as well. I always see the cops out on the last of the month looking for any excuse to throw tickets at (mostly) undeserving drivers. God forbid they actually do what they're supposed to and keep society safe for its law-abiding citizens...
Posted by LPOOL: Pfieffer, I will bet you are friends with her. put it on cnn and she will never shut up.I will bet my life she is a treat to work with, live with.. problem is no one will tell her the truth about herself, they just keep dealing with the s**t.
LMAO LPOOL.,
Her lawsuit will go about as far as that salary she gets as a bus driver. nowhere.
hey testyou, "Oh look, another person that doesn't even know what they are talking about. What a big surprise". You go to court, you plead not guilty, you get a trial date and the present your case. You have the right to a trial and do not need a lawyer. "Get a clue please and stop talking about things which you have no idea about"! (does this post sound familiar?
camillusmom2, if you read all of the posts, you will find that your opinion on the subject is not an unpopular one at all. Many of us, like myself, feel that she totally brought this on by her initial actions.
Do many of us, like myself feel the copy over-reacted? Certainly.
Are u kidding me.... Stay in the freekin car... YOU DESERVED EVERYTHING YOU GOT! hE'S NOT GOING TO SHOW YOU THE VIDEO ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. YOU'LL SEE IT IN COURT NOW.
Is that you corey spillett? I remember at WG the cops threw you into your locker at school and made you cry like a baby. Hard feelings huh?
Booboo - don't forget the other side of the spectrum. If this had been a black or hispanic teenager driving his mom's van with younger siblings in the vehicle there would be fewer people bashing the cop and more racist comments about thugs and gang bangers.
Thursday August 13, 2009, 8:32 AM
An Auburn man -- who had two children under age 10 in his car -- was arrested Tuesday after drivers of two different cars he had hit chased him down and held him until Auburn police arrived, police said Wednesday.
How dare they, he had kids in the car. They should have let him go. damn brutality. He was just trying to protect his kids and take them home!!!! I hope you can sense the sarcasm!
its funny the second story is another shooting in the city. WHY ARE WE MORE CONCERNED WITH TRAFFIC VIOLATIONS THAN SHOOTINGS??????? take all these cops and make them live in the city and work there everyday. how stupid is this country to worry about V&T crap
bmw325xi, Your unjustified despicable denigration of Audra Harmon is only exceeded by your ignorance of the law, common sense, and distasteful name calling.
You should be ashamed of yourself (your children are), and I'm confident that ninety-five percent of your neighbors are. The remaining five percent, like you, aren't worth anymore than the abject ridicule that comes with being you and yours.
Totally ridiculous the officer needs desk duty, the last thing we need are officers that don't know how much force to use and cannot control their emotions.
the police are supposed to asses their threats clearly she was not a physical threat. just a mouthy women force was not needed she will get at least a million dollars of tax payer money ABOLISH GOVERNMENT AND ALL AGENCIES NOW
Imagine having that lady for a bus driver lol. Geez what a b****. She wont get jack outta this besides 15 mins of fame.
dont try to take charge when stopped by a police officer, it will make for a potentially long and expensive day.
Joe, I dont have kids, i frequently have my neighbors over for a cold one, oh, and there's alot more than 5 percent of people who agree with me on this. Nice try though. If you wanna talk about common sense joe, Audra should have kept her fat a** in the car in the 1st place.
1) Cop wrong about cell phone, but it doesn't matter-- he was out for blood that day.
2) Mom's actions weren't threatening enough for tazering
3) Cop, if trained well, could have calmed her down (no audio, but her body language wasn't that threatening) without further incident, but it doesn't matter -- he was out for blood that day.
4) Cop should not have dragged her from her car.
5) Mom should not have left the car. (Never leave your car.)
6) Not all cops are scums-- but this type of stuff ruins the ones who do what the rest of us don't want to do.
7) What was so all fired-up important for him to pull over a minivan with a woman not on a cell phone going 5 miles over the speed limit? There aren't enough criminals to run after???? Was it really all just his testosterone on overdrive? If he has such a lack of ability to deal with this type of situation, how can he possibly deal with a more complicated situation- He needs to go now.
I don't feel safe if he's patroling the road!
This kind of behavior is not unique to Onondaga county or New York State. It is happening all across the country. This conduct is symptomatic of a much larger and more evil problem that is infecting the county. Cops have become a tool of the liberal and progressive movements to control the population for the national socialist Democratic Party.
The rank and file law enforcement officers aren’t recruited for their intelligence but for their blind obedience to authority and the overwhelming need to exercise power over others. After they are hired they are inducted into a union that is an extension of the national socialist Democratic Party.
The cops become a part of a collective. They think and behave as the bosses of their collective dictate. They are told what to do, how to do it and when to do it in their personal and professional lives. Internal affairs is a joke. Cops investigating cops. The reason no resolution to the incident has come about is the union and Party just want it to fade from public memory.
The end game for the national socialist Democratic Party is to put in place a quasi- national police force that is loyal to the Party and will carry out the will of the Party. This has been demonstrated over and over in the recent town hall meetings on health care. The cops are their to protect union, Acorn and Party members, and to intimidate citizens who are showing independent thought by questioning the Party’s governance.
WOW, Someone send this to NAncy Grace or Glenn Beck. I'm Sure Reith is all for the cop though! I wish these videos had AUDIO of the altercation. This is NO COP in my book. Fire his behind and tarnish his file forever!
WOW, Someone send this to NAncy Grace or Glenn Beck. I'm Sure Reith is all for the cop though! I wish these videos had AUDIO of the altercation. This is NO COP in my book. Fire his behind and tarnish his file forever!
testyou-
I will bet you that they are exempt, I should know!!
Your unjustified despicable denigration of Audra Harmon is only exceeded by your ignorance of the law.
unjustified? how? Ignorance? Lardo is the ignorant one getting out of the car. Someone's trying to look pretty smart though with all those big words.
Irishgirl21, you forgot to mention Sacco(crap) was also thrown off the Oswego PD for assaulting a kid with another tough guy cop. Sacco when alone is a pansy boy.
Dont get out of the car unless told to. So that was her mistake. The cop pulling you over does not care if your a soccer mom or not. Every traffic stop is a chance that officer might be killed. And I bet somewhere there is a killer soccer mom!!! Sorry but its the truth. HOWEVER.... by looking at the video (no sound given) I do not see any signs of threat in her body language. But for all we know she could have been saying very inappropriate things to the officer. I do think given what I saw the cop was overboard. Way overboard. I dont see anything on the vidoe showing how she was in need of being shot with the tazzer (sp?).
Lesson here people - Dont argue with the cop - you will not win - EVER!!!! Argue in court. And stay in the freaking car when pulled over unless your told to get out.
upon1... 2 more posts and you would have had revolution #9
If this Officers behavior is unacceptable to you, call 435-3044 and ask to speak with Sheriff Walsh. He is an elected official who is waiting to hear about your concerns.
This deputy is a first-class clown and will be a liability for Onondaga County as long as he's on the force.
When pulled over for a traffic stop, one does NOT get out the car. The LEO does not know what you're intending and that will make him on edge.
Having said that, the deputy's actions were amazingly out of line. Some sort of power trip. This will be an easy out-of-court settlement for Ms. Harmon and her attorney, as it should be.
we live in a society now where we no longer have to take orders from officers. does anyone ever think that if people just followed orders then these things wouldnt happen?? I mean for crying out loud, we have a governor who want to make it o.k. to resist arrest if you "feel" you are being wrongfully arrested.??? is he serious. I just dont get this country anymore. its a free for all everyone....go enjoy !!!!
woodd00, "There are too many situation where police during routine traffic stops end up dead because someone hops out of a car and pulls a gun on them. "
There are far, far, far more situations where police don't end up dead or shot at during routine traffic stops. In fact, that's the norm. The cop getting killed is a once in a blue moon situation nationwide. The attitude of "police safety over all" is a symptom of a bigger problem. It leads to a slow slide towards a police state where disagreeing with an officer can land you in jail(or tasered and then in jail), warrants can be served by using a battering ram on your door, and cops can be issued automatic weapons because they've got to have more firepower than the rare criminals despite the fact that automatic weapons are non-discriminatory in where their sprays of bullets end up.
All because the same people who decided on a career that has an element of risk to it want to eliminate that risk. My respect for cops wavered after I watched them set up a perimeter around Columbine and wait for events to unfold with the kids inside because they didn't want to get hurt. It's like letting firemen bulldoze a neighborhood because they don't want to get hurt putting out any fires that may happen.
Whenever I go home to Syracuse to visit my parents from my home in Maryland, I always wonder why everyone in CNY seems to drive so slow... Now I know why!
DenizenCuse are you kidding me! Injustice? what are you talking about. she was pulled over by a law enforcement officer. Whether she thought she was in the wrong or not is beside the point. She got out of her vehicle demaded proof of why she was being pulled over and then by her own admission she defied his order to return to her vehicle. Once she heard the words under arrest then she wanted to get back into her vehicle but quick. If she felt she was falsely detained then she should have fought that in court. You don't confront the officer at the scene. Gees get a grip will ya. If I ever put myself, which by the way I would NOT then I would deserve what was coming to me. The officer had no way of knowing how she would continue to behave or of those in her vehicle. He did the right thing in my opinion. Don't want to get tased stay in your vehicle and obey the directions of the officer. It's not like he walked up to her open window and tased her. You say with your own eyes what she did. I do not feel sorry for her.
Interesting thread. Where are all the people celebrating? As others have noted, they've remained silent because their flagrant, customary racism would be on display because of the sheer hypocrisy.
I am agreement with many: she should have stayed in the car, and while it is not a crime to "talk back" as far as I know, anyone with a modicum of common sense knows that a good many policemen are on power trips and brook no contention. Obviously a degree of this is necessary for their own safety, but this guy went too far. Of course it is also possible that the guy who arrested Gates similarly went too far...but 75% of those on here would never admit to that. Kudos to those of you who picked up on the sheer idiocy of some of the regulars in their failure to see the obvious parallels.
Its amazing how people are so quick to judge. Not only that, why the name calling? Lardo? white trash? What makes you so special? Who is the uneducated here?? And to become a cop, you only need to pass a civil service exam. How educated is that.
So, when this lady said she wasn't talking on her cell phone, but instead was resting her head on her RIGHT hand, tell me this: what was she leaning her elbow on? If it were her LEFT hand, it would make sense that she was resting it on her window, but the RIGHT...sounds like a lie. And, she probably was going to "prove" that she hadn't been on the phone by showing the officer her 15-year old's cell phone log.
The minute this woman chose not to comply (in front of her kids no less - great lesson to teach them) with the officer's orders, was the minute she became a threat to the officer. He has to deal with the crazy's in Syracuse on a daily basis and when she got out of the car, she made a mistake. She is the one that needs to apologize. According to her, even her 15-year old kid knew she shouldn't have done that. How was the officer to know that she wasn't reaching inside for a handgun or other weapon?
While I don't agree with anyone being tased more than once, she deserved everything else she got. She's lucky the DA dropped those charges, cuz I think she should have been charged with a lot more. She set a very poor example for her kids. What makes her think she's entitled to follow her own law?
that is just awful and I hope he gets what he deserves. He needs to get an assault charge after he loses his job.
All I can say is I'm glad the cops now have Tazers. So now the cops don't feel they have to beat anybody with billy clubs or shoot them with 30 or 40 lead slugs for getting out of a car.
I don't understand why the cop just couldn't have let it go after she got back in the car, because that's what he wanted in the first place. He's got to get all huffy. He's immature, obviously not trained well enough, and/or something else is wrong with him. Why is this guy still hanging around the department? Send him to IRAQ or Afghanistan, or maybe a small outpost in Antarctica would be good enough.
Why does everybody side with the woman? She was wrong when a police officer says stay in the car you stay in the car. She could have avoided the whole thing by staying in the car, taking the ticket, going to court with her proof and getting it all settled peacefully. Instead she goes for headlines and money. The almighty dollar at work
What are you people complaining about. Everyone knows it's a police officers god given right to harrass, falsely accuse, beat and torture innocent people if they don't comply with every little thing they tell you to do.
After thinking about this for awhile, I think if the lady had stayed in the car, and not disputed the charge with the officer, she wouldn't have been tasered. Best policy is to never argue with an officer.
I would like to think that I still live in "Mayberry" but I don't. It's a crazy world out there, people don't respect cops, and you never know when a stop can go bad. I see plenty of blame to go around here. Hit the reset button and let's get on with life, lessons learned all around.
There are many fine police officers who give it all for their job. unfortunately ever so office a pig slips through into the force,,,remember the dewiit cop, what was it, a week on the force? went and beat a deaf person because they did not respond to the officer's questions and demands? they fired that cop faster than you can believe...why is this pig still on the force? and if you se this pig, spit on him..its what he deserves
It is said third time is a charm....should have fried her one more time for measure...
CSpillet, I can't wait until someone breaks into your house at 3:00am looking to do some damage...we'll see who you call.
I bet it won't be a soccer mom.
Police Officers wonder why they get No Respect anymore from the public! This is an example as to why! Yes, she should have stayed in the car for her own saftey and his and she was trying to get back in the car but the officer pulled her out to arrest her. She wouldn't get on the ground (why should she, why couldn't he cuff her against the van??) BECAUSE HE WANTED TO TAZE HER!!!!! He did NOT need to get physical with her, she was obviously no threat or he wouldn't have been walking back to his car before she got of hers to follow him
Okay Posters! I have not seen the video, but I have read the news article and follow on posts. Here is my input regarding this situation:
Police Officers in NYS are trained on the Use of Force Model. In a nutshell it goes like this; subject's actions>risk perception>officer response. Again, I have not seen the video, but it sounds like this woman's initial actions would be construed as 'passive resistant' The use of a taser would not be justified in this instance. The officer is required to use the minimum force necessary to effect the arrest. Just because she allegedly became verbally abusive, got out of her vehicle, then refused to get back in, and then out when 'arrested' does not deserve being tased. The Deputy should have resorted to other means, pepper spray, compliance techniques, etc. Unless the Deputy can articulate he felt he was in imminent danger of being physically harmed he will be hard pressed to defend his actions in a civil law suit. It does not help his cause the DA's office dropped the charges against the driver. On the other hand, the driver should have stayed in the vehicle, taken her ticket, and resolved the issue in court or made a personnel complaint against the Deputy. Bottom line the Deputy will probably lose and the driver will make some serious $$$.
Look at seannchai with all his big SAT words, trying to make this a racial issue.
Why WOULD you?
I bet he looks cute behnd a desk shuffling papers and opening up envelopes. I bet now he thinks using that taser for the first time was a bad idea.If he doesn't like office work, he can always get another job. I have an idea, he can be a "Deputy Dog" mall cop at Carousel. I bet Bob would hire him, because they are just a like, BULLIES.
Seems to be about a 50/50 split on this one (is Mom at fault or is the officer). My two cents:
Should she have gotten out the car? Probably not. I wouldn’t have. Not because I like taking orders and bowing to all authority, but because I would be afraid of a skittish or power hungry cop. I would be afraid of just what happened to this woman. Maybe I would have tried to politely explain my side, but if the officer wasn’t hearing it, I would have sat there, and fought this later, in court.
However, not getting out of the car is much like not walking alone in a bad neighborhood. I am afraid of what COULD happen. But, if you are walking alone in a bad neighborhood (using bad judgment perhaps), and you get mugged, is it YOUR FAULT? Just for being there? I don’t think so. So, the Mom may have used bad judgment getting out of the car (or she was nervous and forgot what you are supposed to do, or whatever), but she, in NO terms, deserved to be tazed and manhandled.
HE was the officer. HE should have known better. HE was supposedly trained to deal with a traffic stop, she wasn’t. Hands down this officer was in the WRONG 100%. I hope he does lose his job, and I hope she does get a settlement, and certainly an apology. The police are here for our protection, not for us to blindly obey. Or for us to wonder if they’ve had a bad day or a bad experience before? It is their JOB to keep their tempers in check. Whether the Mom was a loudmouth or not, does not matter.
However, the absolute worst part of this story (which really isn’t in the story at all, but what’s NOT in it)... And I think another poster brought this up... Had this been a woman of color, the majority of comments on this site would have been how she deserved it... How she was “cashing in,” etc. Much like the poor pregnant woman last week who was hit by a DPW truck. The comments on this site were disgusting and were faulting her for crossing a street. That really sickens me most of all.
I can't believe the power some of the posters want to give to the police..and how they are trying their best to put the entire blame on the woman.."its all a plot to sue for money!" "all she had to do was go to court and tell the judge!" are you posters stupid beyond belief? yes you are! she did everything the pig cop asked her to do.. and he lied about as much as he could!!!!!!! pulled her over after following her for 5 seconds? 5 miles over the limit?
there are many great cops who give it all for the public..they deserve everything....this pig is not one of them...when you see this pig, spit at him
Has anyone considered that maybe she would have never received a ticket if she was calm and collected?????? Maybe he would have let her off with a warning. Her behavior escalated the situation into what it was.
On a second note.....now that the video is public and in my opinion she did appear to be somewhat belligerent and out of control does anyone know what school district she works for? I don’t know if this is a person I want around children.
Posted by bmw325xi on 08/13/09 at 3:02PM
"and to be a bus driver you need even less requirements."
And to be an utter fool online, absolutely no requirements. Just a $300 PC and weak cowardly mind.
Give a person a gun and a badge and they think they're god. This is a clear cut situation of a county copy on a power trip. All cops are control freaks. The fact that they carry weapons makes it dangerous.
Everyone please responmd to my post that will not vote for Sheriff Kevin Walsh again unless this officer is dismissed form the Sheriff's department. His actions are deplorable and he should have a psycological evaluation done. No sane person would attack another in such a fashion. He is a criminal and should be treated as such.
I now understand why SPD doesn,t want anything to do with these clowns.
Hooha, is it?
In case you didn't notice, that is the point--that people always make it about race here when the story involves anyone not white. The fact that race didn't come up this time is what is so telling. And I was not the first to cite that fact.
The funny thing is, I have no idea what word I used that you considered to be an "SAT word." They all seem pretty common to me?
Hooha, is it?
In case you didn't notice, that is the point--that people always make it about race here when the story involves anyone not white. The fact that race didn't come up this time is what is so telling. And I was not the first to cite that fact.
The funny thing is, I have no idea what word I used that you considered to be an "SAT word." They all seem pretty common to me?
I hope she does sue them - filthy pig cop tasering someone for the hell it. He should be fired - NOW - not reassigned sucking more money from the taxpayers.
Slinksi said, "she did everything the pig cop asked her to do..."
Seriously?
This woman is going to get a very nice settlement for riding the electric wave a couple of times. The cop will likely be removed. I would gladly get tazed a couple of times for the money she will likely get. Also, the picture of her in the side view mirror is the most ridiculous thing I have ever seen. I mean seriously, that is laying it on a little thick don't you think?
I think if she would followed what he said there would not have been problems. If she wan not on here phone or speeding that is what court is for.
Both people could have handled it better. I look to the Sheriff to publicly say what the deputy could have done better and the driver could have done better. That covered, I think the deputy went way over the line in dealing with the obstreperous mom.
I met St Michael the Archangel the other day I had lunch with him and he was not your typical police officer. As a matter of fact I had a drink with him later in the day. These were two different police officers from two very different police agencies, but still very much the same. One was a very experienced the other was quoted as saying "he is still too young to retire". But no mistake both will NEVER be willing to hand in the BADGE. The more mature man was ranked very high and working in a semi-retirement position looking out for new recruits in need of St. Michaels care, and the other a scraping younger man also of old schooling but one of St. Michaels BEST. Both men shared the love of the honor of wearing the BADGE that St. Michael bestowed onto them. I am one blessed to have been in the presence of each man and only pray each and everyday that St. Michael brings more men to earth with the calling as what I witnessed in each of these two men. And oh by the way one was one of the best of the best of retired north country sheriffs and north country village police departments and the other was one of the hardest working street smart, city of Syracuse PD. Each man talked about the love of the job and their calling which is to uphold the law and protect each and every citizen by what each one of them was quoted as saying from “bad men who are conditioning themselves physically, mentally and emotionally to do whatever it takes to continue a life of crime and how they are there to combat that effort". But I say that this is not their doing at all but this is the work of St. Michael the Archangel and you truly know when you are in his presence. God bless all policemen and women and the hard dangerous work that they endure each and every day campus, village, town, city, county, state and federal agents across New York State and America.
I propose we send Deputy Andrews to back to back tours in Afghanistan, cleaning outhouses. He does not deserve the privilege of serving our country,
nor our community.
Ret (U.S Army)
County sheriffs are a bunch of assclowns anyway...I see them hanging out in convience stores together ...like they're soooo badass and keeewwl...they're so unprofessional...NYS should disband county sheriffs and increase the state police force...they are much better trained and more professional...another jerkoff cop having fun, playing with his new, taser toy- thingy.
sean andrews is a douche who should be sent back to high school to finish all the courses he obviously failed
this er doc is on the record to clearly say there was no indication to taser this lady. it was cowardly at best. and to you officers that have the audacity to demand name and location of bloggers, bring it on!!! defending this idiot "law inforcer" would in-bare-#ss you permanently, now wouldn't it! name with verifiable request.
just another fat, lazy, taser-happy prick in a cop uniform. He's probably still upset over the fact that he's too stupid to pass the trooper exam and ended up a deputy. Hopefully he gets roughed up by someone who's a REAL threat, and ends up wearing that taser of his up his ass.
Isn't it great that people fear the police more than they fear the criminals.
Isn't it time Kevin Walsh gets recalled. His job is not to protect his officer...it is to protect the people. I have always been a supporter of our police officers and fire officials but it seems more and more that of them are undeserving of our loyalty. I suspect that most of them are competent and well meaning public servants but until guys like this are removed from their jobs it is fair to paint all of them with the same brush.
First, let's understand all cops aren't like this and I do respect the good ones. But, this just makes my blood boil to think this inappropriate action by a thug, abusing his authority, displaying absolutely terrible judgement (probably THE most important skill required) and doing all of this in front of her children. She did nothing to deserve this treatement. I hope she gets every penny of what she sues for. The children for the rest of their lives will remember this and view law enforcement through this incident. What a shame..............
While I regret seeing what this woman went through, I envy the settlement that she will get. This tough guy should see if Great Northern needs someone to chase teenagers.
sean andrews couldnt even pull the lady out of the car. nice bust douchebag
even Sheriff Walsh knows this guys was wrong... I guess all of you clowns wearing blue lipstick will have to go elsewhere for you police state.
Another example of a government employee not afraid of losing their job. Andrews should be fired and charged with misuse of power..but instead will get a promotion to a desk job and someday collect a pension. While Harmon will be paying his wage(with her taxes) and her children's therapy bills because they watched mommy get taz'd for no reason. Kevin Walsh, your system is broken teach your officers to respect the public they work for.
Time for a Tea Party in front of the Sheriff's Department to demand this clown - and all the higher-ups stalling the investigation - stop receiving their taxpayer-paid salaries IMMEDIATELY!
Law enforcement officers seem to believe that they can justify the use of force at their whim. It is really scary that the police exhibit thug-like, fascist behavior. After seeing video footage like this, is it any wonder that law enforcement officers have lost the trust and respect of the people they are here to serve, protect, and defend?
OK, I Feel they both had a part in the outcome of this outragous act, but I have delt with a couple of officers and they do act as if there is a threat existing but if the person being pulled over is cooperative then they become more normal, and easier to deal with.
They are here to protect and uphold the law, Yes they should be focusing on bigger/worse crimes but a crime is a crime and if he was wrong about what he saw then it is up to the person getting the ticket to prove it court not give the officer a hard time.
However, I feel he used to much force given the situation and he DEFENITLY acted to harshly.
I can understand her wanting an appology,(no money though, What is this world coming to when we take everyone to court and want money from them? Give me a break! Better yet give the courts a break so they can take care of the more serious stuff!!)I feel it should be directed to the children as well, and from both adults.
Overall appologize to each other and then to those children who right know more than likely
do not know what to think.
(No money though, What is this world coming to when we take everyone to court and want money from them? Give me a break! Better yet give the courts a break so they can take care of the more serious stuff!!)
A motorist does not have the right to go to the officer's car to view a video tape or a radar reading. No point in making the demand. The place for a defendant to challenge evidence is in court.
Just an FYI, apart from any comments or opinions on the actions of either party.
It BS that these cops can issue BS tickets whenever they want...c'mon now...he approximated her speed at 50mph....what a joke. What most are forgetting is that even if she took the ticket and shut her mouth...and even if she was able to get it reduced and/or dismissed...she'd still have to PAY the $80.00 state surcharge just for showing up to court. PLUS the inconvenience of sitting through a night court session for 2+ hours. SHE WAS ABLE TO PROVE THAT SHE WAS NOT ON THE PHONE!!! GOOD FOR HER FOR STICKING UP TO THESE BULLIES!!
It BS that these cops can issue BS tickets whenever they want...c'mon now...he approximated her speed at 50mph....what a joke. What most are forgetting is that even if she took the ticket and shut her mouth...and even if she was able to get it reduced and/or dismissed...she'd still have to PAY the $80.00 state surcharge just for showing up to court. PLUS the inconvenience of sitting through a night court session for 2+ hours. SHE WAS ABLE TO PROVE THAT SHE WAS NOT ON THE PHONE!!! GOOD FOR HER FOR STICKING UP TO THESE BULLIES!!
I just want to say that Audra is a good person. She was my child's bus driver, I trust her implicitely. She is also my friend. There is no need for some you people to call her names or mock her appearence. I stand behind her 100%. Officer Andrews was wrong, he knew he was wrong, yet he was not man enough to admit it. I for one am very happy that he is no longer on the road, and I hope he will never be again. He should pursue a career in a field where he has limited contact with people. Anyone who is saying that Audra is unfit to drive a school bus is mistaken. She is a great driver and she is wonderful with the kids, they all LOVE her. She can drive my kids anytime. She did not deserve to be tasered, end of story
I see it differently- she came out of the car and followed him and he told her to go back in and she still didn't. I does he know she didn't have a weapon and would use it or jump him? It's been known to happen. If I was on the jury, I would side with him, not her.
Both parties were wrong here. Tasering this woman twice was indeed excessive ( he should be severely punished) but avoidable. If the driver had stayed in their car and kept quiet as instructed this wouldn't have happened. She would have had an opportunity to clear this up in court. How do you think this officer would look to a judge -writing someone for 5 miles over the speed limit? Realize that when you are pulled over a police officer has no idea if you have any weapons or are planning to harm them or someone else. Only your actions and ability to follow instructions indicate that. Hard, sad lesson for us all
Complete lack of common sense and humilty. THis officer didn't want to be proven wrong and made this into something far more than it needed to be. I just moved to texas and we had a similar incident with a trooper and a very elderly woman. Be serious. What kind of threat did these ladies pose? The prblem is the power goes to some of these guys heads and it all begins with simple abuses like hitting the lights to get thru the intersection just to hit the donut shop. Remember you are working for us.
Not knocking all officers. I have personally known some very good ones that take pride in their service and have a little respect and common sense.
First off I want to say that this is unbelieveable that this happened in our town.
Ms. Harmon is actually my son's bus driver and he absolutely LOVES her!! She is a sweet, friendly, and extremely responsible employee and woman. I can't believe this story happened literally 3 blocks from my own home. This is absolutely preposterous that this individual is still employed with the Onon. County Sheriff's Dept. I can only imagine as a Mother of 2 myself, if this happened to me, driving down Hopkins Road on a weekly or almost daily basis and having my children in the car like Audra did. Sheriff Deputy's should really think about making a better impression on the youth of today. Children, and adults as well are supposed to look to their fellow Law Enforcement as their confidants and protectors, not as a scary monster or enemy. I can only imagine what Audra went through that day, and what her children were thinking. My thoughts go out to you Audra and your children. A great way to make an example of this particular situation - that this behavior from Law Enforcement won't be tolerated, would be removing Andrew from his position, permanantly.
I hope that this never happens again to anyone and I hope that if an officer has something to prove they make note that there are children in the vehicle and try to make a better first impression on a child, not a long lasting horrible scary memory like Audra's children had to endure...
** Great job John O. on this story.
This guy still has a job??? Are you kidding me. What is there to investigate, he clearly violated this womens rights and assulted her in front of her kids.I would like to see him work the city streets and try this. He deserves to fired and a good ass kicking would be in order. I dont think it would be appropiate to do it while on duty, but in this incident ya. What are our Sheriffs thinking hiring such an idiot and then keeping him after this. What would they do if this was there wife, mother, sister. This is a outrage, why are we just seeing and hearing about it. Send him to the northside to patrol so we can abuse and mistreat him. He would not last a week over here.I'm getting worked up, so I'll go for now!!!
When don't cops use a taser these days? They can't seem to do anything without using one. It makes me wonder how cops did their jobs before tasers were invented? This makes me sick.
Whatever happened to obeying the directions of law enforcement? Court is the place to fight a ticket, not the street. With examples like this it is no wonder children never learn how to handle life.
RNG stop blaming liberals. Most cops I've known are authoritarian conservatives. I've also been on many conservative sites, like Free Republic, where they are very gung ho taser and think that the victim is always to blame. But this really isn't an issue of liberals vs conservatives. There are people on both sides who want to control your life. Get over the partisan politics and let's do something to outlaw tasers.
Am I the only one that thinks she deserved this?
If you mute the video and watch her body language you can tell she was very mad and arguing with the cop. Anyone would have tased her.
He's walking back to his vehicle, she jumps out and he tells her to get back in.
She argues with him.
He tells her again to get back in or you will be tased and he gets out the taser.
She gets in and argues some more.
He tells her she's under arrest and to step out of the vehicle and reaches for her.
She resists arrest but he pulls her from the vehicle.
He tells her to lay down.
She does not.
Again he gets out the taser and says lay down or you will be tased.
She argues some more.
He proceeds to taser her once.
She turns and yells at him, he tells her to lay down again. She then tries to get back in the car.
He tased her a second time and finally arrests her.
Seems pretty clear to me, I don't care if she is a mom with kids. Imagine if everyone acted like, like every person that a cop pulled over thought they should jump out of their car and start demanding to look at the videos and play 20 questions. Cops aren't pulling you over because they hate you, they pull you over because they believe you broke the law. If you don't like it, tell it to the judge! Cops are not there to answer your questions, they ask the questions, you answer them, it's not a round-table discussion up for debate.
If you are pulled over, roll down all your windows, leave your hands on the dash or steering wheel in plain sight, turn off your music and vehicle, remain buckled and answer follow all instructions. DUH!
I really wish we had the audio because I have a feeling she wasn't saying "please show me the tape" calmly like she claims. He gave her very clear instructions and she disobeyed the cop again and again.
C'mon do You really think a Cop wants all that agravation. I will bet She wanted to make a point and never complied with His commands. She was going to show Him, well, it is too bad because the fourth estate is having a field day with this. I will also bet there is more to Her words and actions. Too bad all cops are in the same boat. The potential for this bull is something They have to deal with every day. She not only caused a bad sceen in public but, what an example to set for those kids. Those results will show up in the future I'm sure. Handled badly all the way-He should have called for backup right after She started Her bs.
Sheriffs are idiots. They should walk a mile in a city cop's shoes to see what REAL criminals look like.
So, are they going to go to the White House to have beer with Obama now?
FOR ALL OF YOU WHO WANT TO SIT ON YOUR DEAD ASSES AND INSULT DEPUTY ANDREWS YOU ARE PATHETIC. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU DO THAT JOB AND SEE HOW YOU WOULD DEAL WITH SITUATIONS. DONOT ALWAYS JUST TO CONCLUSIONS. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT LADY IS SAYING. SHE OBVIOUSLY WAS NOT COMPLYING WITH WHAT HE WAS ASKING OF HER. DO YOU NOT THINK THAT MAYBE THIS MAN HAS A FAMILY. I CAN TELL YOU HE DOES. I AM HIS NEICE AND YOU ARE ALL VERY WRONG ABOUT HIM. BUT WHAT DO YOU CARE ALL OF YOU JUST LOVE TO INSULT PEOPLE AND TEAR THEM APART BEFORE YOU EVEN KNOW THE WHOLE STORY. ITS NOT LIKE NEWPAPERS AND JOUNALIST'S DON'T LIE OR ANYTHING. HE IS THE NICEST MAN YOU WILL EVER MEET HE IS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP ANYBODY AT ANYTIME. I HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM LOSE HIS TEMPER OR EVEN BE UPSET. IF SHE WANTED TO BE AGOOD EXAMPLE FOR HER CHILDREN SHE WOULD HAVE DONE WHAT HE ASKED OF HER. INSTEAD IT LOOKS LIKE SHE RAN HER MOUTH. BUT LETS STICK UP FOR THE LADY THATS BREAKING THE LAW. THESE MESSAGES PEOPLE POST ARE NOTHING BUT A JOKE. THEY JUST WANT TO BAD MOUTH PEOPLE SO THEY FEEL BETTER ABOUT THEM SELVES. STOP BADDING MOUTHING SOMEBODY UNTIL YOU KNOW THE WHOLE STORY. I DON'T FEEL BAD FOR THIS WOMAN ONE BIT. IF SHE DID WHAT SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO THIS WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED.STOP INSULTING MY FAMILY. YOU WOULDNT LIKE IT IF PEOPLE DID THAT TO YOURS
FOR ALL OF YOU WHO WANT TO SIT ON YOUR DEAD ASSES AND INSULT DEPUTY ANDREWS YOU ARE PATHETIC. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU DO THAT JOB AND SEE HOW YOU WOULD DEAL WITH SITUATIONS. DONOT ALWAYS JUST TO CONCLUSIONS. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT LADY IS SAYING. SHE OBVIOUSLY WAS NOT COMPLYING WITH WHAT HE WAS ASKING OF HER. DO YOU NOT THINK THAT MAYBE THIS MAN HAS A FAMILY. I CAN TELL YOU HE DOES. I AM HIS NEICE AND YOU ARE ALL VERY WRONG ABOUT HIM. BUT WHAT DO YOU CARE ALL OF YOU JUST LOVE TO INSULT PEOPLE AND TEAR THEM APART BEFORE YOU EVEN KNOW THE WHOLE STORY. ITS NOT LIKE NEWPAPERS AND JOUNALIST'S DON'T LIE OR ANYTHING. HE IS THE NICEST MAN YOU WILL EVER MEET HE IS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP ANYBODY AT ANYTIME. I HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM LOSE HIS TEMPER OR EVEN BE UPSET. IF SHE WANTED TO BE AGOOD EXAMPLE FOR HER CHILDREN SHE WOULD HAVE DONE WHAT HE ASKED OF HER. INSTEAD IT LOOKS LIKE SHE RAN HER MOUTH. BUT LETS STICK UP FOR THE LADY THATS BREAKING THE LAW. THESE MESSAGES PEOPLE POST ARE NOTHING BUT A JOKE. THEY JUST WANT TO BAD MOUTH PEOPLE SO THEY FEEL BETTER ABOUT THEM SELVES. STOP BADDING MOUTHING SOMEBODY UNTIL YOU KNOW THE WHOLE STORY. I DON'T FEEL BAD FOR THIS WOMAN ONE BIT. IF SHE DID WHAT SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO THIS WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED.STOP INSULTING MY FAMILY. YOU WOULDNT LIKE IT IF PEOPLE DID THAT TO YOURS
FOR ALL OF YOU WHO WANT TO SIT ON YOUR DEAD ASSES AND INSULT DEPUTY ANDREWS YOU ARE PATHETIC. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU DO THAT JOB AND SEE HOW YOU WOULD DEAL WITH SITUATIONS. DONOT ALWAYS JUST TO CONCLUSIONS. YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT THAT LADY IS SAYING. SHE OBVIOUSLY WAS NOT COMPLYING WITH WHAT HE WAS ASKING OF HER. DO YOU NOT THINK THAT MAYBE THIS MAN HAS A FAMILY. I CAN TELL YOU HE DOES. I AM HIS NEICE AND YOU ARE ALL VERY WRONG ABOUT HIM. BUT WHAT DO YOU CARE ALL OF YOU JUST LOVE TO INSULT PEOPLE AND TEAR THEM APART BEFORE YOU EVEN KNOW THE WHOLE STORY. ITS NOT LIKE NEWPAPERS AND JOUNALIST'S DON'T LIE OR ANYTHING. HE IS THE NICEST MAN YOU WILL EVER MEET HE IS ALWAYS WILLING TO HELP ANYBODY AT ANYTIME. I HAVE NEVER SEEN HIM LOSE HIS TEMPER OR EVEN BE UPSET. IF SHE WANTED TO BE AGOOD EXAMPLE FOR HER CHILDREN SHE WOULD HAVE DONE WHAT HE ASKED OF HER. INSTEAD IT LOOKS LIKE SHE RAN HER MOUTH. BUT LETS STICK UP FOR THE LADY THATS BREAKING THE LAW. THESE MESSAGES PEOPLE POST ARE NOTHING BUT A JOKE. THEY JUST WANT TO BAD MOUTH PEOPLE SO THEY FEEL BETTER ABOUT THEM SELVES. STOP BADDING MOUTHING SOMEBODY UNTIL YOU KNOW THE WHOLE STORY. I DON'T FEEL BAD FOR THIS WOMAN ONE BIT. IF SHE DID WHAT SHE WAS SUPPOSED TO THIS WOULDN'T HAVE HAPPENED.STOP INSULTING MY FAMILY. YOU WOULDNT LIKE IT IF PEOPLE DID THAT TO YOURS
Am I the only one that thinks she deserved this?
If you mute the video and watch her body language you can tell she was very mad and arguing with the cop. Anyone would have tased her.
He's walking back to his vehicle, she jumps out and he tells her to get back in.
She argues with him.
He tells her again to get back in or you will be tased and he gets out the taser.
She gets in and argues some more.
He tells her she's under arrest and to step out of the vehicle and reaches for her.
She resists arrest but he pulls her from the vehicle.
He tells her to lay down.
She does not.
Again he gets out the taser and says lay down or you will be tased.
She argues some more.
He proceeds to taser her once.
She turns and yells at him, he tells her to lay down again. She then tries to get back in the car.
He tased her a second time and finally arrests her.
Seems pretty clear to me, I don't care if she is a mom with kids. Imagine if everyone acted like, like every person that a cop pulled over thought they should jump out of their car and start demanding to look at the videos and play 20 questions. Cops aren't pulling you over because they hate you, they pull you over because they believe you broke the law. If you don't like it, tell it to the judge! Cops are not there to answer your questions, they ask the questions, you answer them, it's not a round-table discussion up for debate.
If you are pulled over, roll down all your windows, leave your hands on the dash or steering wheel in plain sight, turn off your music and vehicle, remain buckled and answer follow all instructions. DUH!
I really wish we had the audio because I have a feeling she wasn't saying "please show me the tape" calmly like she claims. He gave her very clear instructions and she disobeyed the cop again and again. "You're under arrest" (she gets back in the car) "He yanked me from the car" (she grabs onto car) "He told me to lay down" (she gets back in the car again).
Posted by slinkski on 08/13/09 at 3:29PM
"are you posters stupid beyond belief? yes you are! she did everything the pig cop asked her to do.."
slinkski, I think you need to watch the video again. The deputy used poor discretion but she did nothing that she was told to do. During her own commentary she states that she was told a couple of times to get in the van which she did not do. She admits hearing the deputy say that she was under arrest and then gets in the van. She admits to not getting out of the van when told to do so. She admits to not cooperating at any step of the way. The deputy went to far but, SHE DID NOTHING SHE WAS TOLD! I believe that the only person "stupid beyond belief" is you.
What impresses me more is that the post has kept this story at the top of the page, allowed it to acquire over 400 post and have allowed non stop insults. Had this story been about Osama the comments would have been blocked hours ago. The only people fooling themselves here are the post and those that believe this woman did nothing wrong (and i'm not talking about the alleged violations because those are for a judge to decide, not her on the street).
Lets's see; all the charges by our DA are dropped and no mention even of the unwritten law "you can not under penalty of Taser ever get out of your car....ever". Here is your challenge idiots. Show me in legal print where I can not get out of my car if pulled over!!!
It this idiot still a deputy??? He should have been fired after that video was reviewed by his superiors and an apology offered. Now it's going to cost the county millions. This jerk has no business being a cop, and Walsh should know that instead of covering up for this clown. I hope he gets sued personally, gets tossed from the force, AND gets arrested for assault. This happened in January and it's just coming out? This jerkoff should be shown no mercy.
You know what, if it hadn't been snowing then no of this would have been happening. Seriouosly folks we need to save the Polar Bears... Global Warming is going to destroy us in 4 MONTHS.
Once we realize this all has to do with Gobal Al Warming Gore, only then can we do whatever they think we are going to do and birds will fly again....
sethndoc
That's a darned good question.
Come on Police supporters. Answer it.
qwirty314 -
You hit the nail on the head. This woman is the one who caused this incident and then escalated it. The fact that this newspaper presents this story like she's some kind of sacrificial lamb is a joke! She is guilty of failure to comply with an officers direction, obstruction of governmental adminsitration, and disturbing the peace. If this woman is a bus driver she should certainly know better that to act the way she did. She also by advancing out of that vehicle legally posed a threat to that officer. And yes, ladies and gentlmen; for those who are interested I am a WHITE man holding a WHITE woman accountable for HER actions. That should make a few heads spin ..
Is it standard police proceedure to have a suspect lie down in the middle of the road with nobody handling traffic? WTF? I hope she gets millions and the punk cop gets fired and then gets whacked with civil penalties. What a punk.
You wanna see good sheirff work go to the regional market any sunday These Jokes of police officers walk around Together shopping from booth to booth ,Never do they walk the parking lots,and cars are broken into every weekend, when someone steals something you can,t find them,Unless your near the donut stand. Not sure if the on sheirffs duties oa are paid for by the market but there in full uniform, and they have there patrol cars .When ythey do I should say when we do catch a theif all they want to do bar them from the market they don,t want to let us proscecute No paper work Whys that????
Posted by snexas on 08/13/09 at 4:27PM
When don't cops use a taser these days? They can't seem to do anything without using one. It makes me wonder how cops did their jobs before tasers were invented? This makes me sick
Go ask an old cop. They would pepper spray you and beat you with their night stick or sap. The taser potentially illiminates injuries sustained by a night stick.
_______________________________________________
qwerty314, I agree with you but you're wrong about a part. She did not get into the car until she was told she was under arrest. Then she jumped in and didn't want to get out. She acted like a child. Shame on the sheriff for not backing his deputy and shame on the DA for dropping the charges. The video and her commentary cleary show she obstructed traffic, obstructed the deputy from writing the tickets and completing the stop and resisted arrest. Had she got back in the van he would have given her tickets and the stop would have ended. She was wrong and escalated the situation. I'll say it again, SHAME ON YOU POST FOR EXPLOITING THIS DEPUTY AND TAKING SIDES. YOU CLEARY DO NOT REPORT BIPARTISAN NEWS!
THANK YOU!
Finally someone saw the same video I saw!
That is why the cop is still a cop, because he did nothing wrong!
I'm just very glad neither of them were black because you know this would be a huge racist debate if the cop or woman was black.
I'm very surprised it's getting a reaction from the media, I would have thought they would looked at it once and said "She's resisting arrest, no story here" and moved on to things that matter.
Horrible. Police brutality. Cop was proven wrong when he claimed she was on her cell and got all pissed off when his pride was hurt. All cops are egomaniacs!! All of them. To hell with them and their blue wall of silence. Let all the cops come out and post here about how the lady got out of the car when she shouldn't have. Is the penalty for this now a tasering? Maybe he should have tasered the 5 year old in the back for upsetting him with her crying!!!!
Fire this cop, make an example of him. Let the cops go chase some thugs instead of making up traffic violations to fill quotas!!!!!!
To hell with the police!!
sethndoc and ugerbeikerpe -
The law was broken the instant she refused to get back in that vehicle as she was directed to by the officer. Failing to comply with an officer's orders is illegal .. PEROID!
what I find the most troubling is that he manufactured....a violation for the woman when he realized he was probably wrong about the cell phone.
thats bridging on evil behaviour.
he needs to be let go from his job.
also,if he cant handle a 5'4 female without resorting to a taser, he's not much of a man IMO.
yeah, she hardly looked threatening, and especially since her two kids were right there,
he was trying to push his weight around, just like the article said, she is only 5'4" I hardly think she could hurt the poor officer or threaten
him in any way. Funny, he can't prove she was speeding either. How could he have clocked her from behind, when she said she was following him, and he only pulled off to let her pass? What a liar he is. Had to get his ticket quota I guess.
yeah, she hardly looked threatening, and especially since her two kids were right there,
he was trying to push his weight around, just like the article said, she is only 5'4" I hardly think she could hurt the poor officer or threaten
him in any way. Funny, he can't prove she was speeding either. How could he have clocked her from behind, when she said she was following him, and he only pulled off to let her pass? What a liar he is. Had to get his ticket quota I guess.
thank you - common sense, guy. The cop should have said, "what a loon," and called for either his patrol sup or back up. Taser the loon in front of her kids? The cop needs to be fired, and I mean right now.
If that cop is not arrested for this, the people who live in this city should go nuts.
She resisted arrest.
The trouble is we don't get audio with the dash cam, so we likely can't hear where she was in all reality more than likely less than cordial when talking to the officer. I'll be she was a raging b***** or at least was snide. In her narrative she makes it sound like she was being rational, calm and considerate...unlikely.
We also can't see into the vehicle after she'd gotten back into it. Where its entirely possible she was making a reach for the keys. I haven't seen a statement from the officer, which we likely won't due to his lawyer most likely telling him not to...so we have a video with no audio which shows her blatantly resisting arrest and breaking from all sense of traffic stops, and a narrative which leaves me more than suspicious of her actual actions.
We are all so quick to jump on the cop, but why don't we evaluate the fact that she did everything wrong you can?
Honestly the cop did what he should have.
This "sheriff's deputy" has no business having a gun and a badge. He has no common sense at all much less the professionalism we require of law enforcement personnel.
He pulled her over for a mistaken reason. That should have been the end of it. He LIED about her speeding, then completely lost control of the situation.
He not only should be fired but he should spend 90 days in jail for assault.
Imagine if this had been done to your wife, mother, sister or girl friend!!! In front of your children, siblings, nephews or nieces!!!
Suburban Onondaga County is a joke. The city of Syracuse police aren't out pulling people over for any nonsense crap they can dream up, because they actually have real police work to do. The person that said they were pulled over in Liverpool for driving for 32 in a 30, I know what you mean! That's happened to me a few times. Just the other night I was tailgated for over a mile by a Liverpool cop. I thought about pulling over to say WTF, but I kept on driving. Apparently my lights were working, I kept the car between the lines, I wasn't on the cell phone, and I didn't vary from driving exactly 30mph. They are like vampires after dark in the village of Liverpool, trying to suck the money out of taxpayers with every sketchy ticket they can write. You better be going 30 in a 30 through that village. If you drive 25 you might get stopped for going to slow. I've been in other states and they are not so quick to find any stupid reason to stop and hassle someone. I was stopped in Ohio for driving 90 in a 65 and I deserved to get a ticket. The police officer that stopped me was the most professional cop I have ever met. He said "sir, what's the hurry?" After I told him I was really tired and just trying to get home (this was before 5-hour energy and red bull), he said "please slow it down, and if you get tired pull over for a while and rest. Have a safe trip home." He didn't make me get out of the car for the horse and pony show to see if I could touch my nose and rub my head at the same time. He didn't freak out and try to taser me. He didn't even give me a ticket, which I deserved. I respected him, he respected me. Apparently Ohio isn't like New York as far as depending on writing tickets to raise revenue for the state/county/local governments.
A lot of cases like these could be avoided if cops in the "vampire" state of new york weren't pressured into increases revenues by writing tickets, as if they were selling cars for Billy Fuccillo! People are fed up with the crap. Who wants to be hassled for 50 in a 45? What is that crap?
qwerty you have to tase an old housewife you must be a little P**sy i could handle that lady without a taser lol you little weakling lol your backing this guy cause you pack fudge with him lol FTP cops areout of control they all drink and drive and disobey every traffic law on their own time off duty. they all drive on the phone and well over 5mph over but if someone else does it god forbid lets tase them and push thme in the ground LOL LOL
qwerty you have to tase an old housewife you must be a little P**sy i could handle that lady without a taser lol you little weakling lol your backing this guy cause you pack fudge with him lol FTP cops areout of control they all drink and drive and disobey every traffic law on their own time off duty. they all drive on the phone and well over 5mph over but if someone else does it god forbid lets tase them and push thme in the ground LOL LOL
This is clearly police brutality. To be bullied in such a way is despicable. Then he left the children, terrified and stranded in the cold! Granted, one of the kids was 15, but what if he were younger? How traumatic!
There must be zero tolerance for this type of police behavior. Mrs. Harmon, you must sue for millions. It's more than teaching a lesson. It will stop future jerks from behaving the same way.
Has anyone else noticed that there's very few squirrels in Schiller Park over the last few years. I think this is very disturbing, probably a consequence of environmental damage or the lack of lash law enforcement, and I haven't heard one single word from city hall regarding the issue. This is very disturbing and I think it's high time something was done about this issue.
Follow the "officer"'s order, I keep watching the video and I keep watching her get "in" the car! oH i GET IT, SHE IS GIVEN how many seconds and by all means that includes her oral facial lips and tongue are not allowed to move.....please.
qwerty314 on 08/13/09 at 4:38PM
"Am I the only one that thinks she deserved this?..."
No, apparently about 5% or so can rationalize anything at all.
I like the strong "body language" thesis you tried to develop.
I hope Sean Andrews and his lawyers are can spin a bigger yarn than you. Pitiful.
maybe next time the idiot will get back in the car the first time he asks her too..respect the cops or pay the price.
Posted by sethndoc on 08/13/09 at 4:41PM
Lets's see; all the charges by our DA are dropped and no mention even of the unwritten law "you can not under penalty of Taser ever get out of your car....ever". Here is your challenge idiots. Show me in legal print where I can not get out of my car if pulled over!!!
When you are pulled over you are technically under arrest. Therefore you are required to do what you are requested whether that is to exit the vehicle or to stay in the vehicle. Any act not instructed by the officer would be disobeying a lawful order and may result in the same scenerio as above or worse.
Reassign this sheriff to the southside where he can make a difference. Just what the thuggies and true criminals need.
No doubt the place will be cleaned up before his shift is over.
This "sheriff's deputy" has no business having a gun and a badge. He has no common sense at all much less the professionalism we require of law enforcement personnel.
He pulled her over for a mistaken reason. That should have been the end of it. He LIED about her speeding, then completely lost control of the situation.
He not only should be fired but he should spend 90 days in jail for assault.
Imagine if this had been done to your wife, mother, sister or girl friend!!! In front of your children, siblings, nephews or nieces!!!
"She hardly looked threatening" ? Since when in this world do you know who is and is not a threat ? Officers risk their lives day in and day out, not knowing who they are going to encounter. Just because someone 'looks harmless', means absolutlely nothing. This lady repeatedly refused to cooperate, and yes that is a crime. What if this innocent looking lady used a weapon on the officer and the video was then shown - everyone would be saying "why did the officer let this person get out of her vehicle and repeatedly refuse to cooperate" ? Whether or not this lady is a 'nice bus driver', she needs to obey the authorities and if she received a citation then she needs to take it up in court - like the rest of society, not demand to see the camera in the middle of the street. She blatantly ignored the officers requests and is completely in the wrong.
You are not under arrest simply because you have been pulled over, you are innocent until PROVEN guilty! Read the Constitution and you'll find most of these so called "laws" are downright unconstitutional anyway.
Posted by ballpark111 on 08/13/09 at 5:21PM
"..respect the cops or pay the price..."
At last you are half right. She's good for $50,000 and he's going to lose his job. Enough price for you?
Lets look at the video.The SUV Mom is not pulled all the way on the side of the road.Is this her fault? It's hard to tell on the video if the shoulder (if there is one)but she is in the roadway which becomes a hazard to the officer and to herself. When she jumped out of the car there was a car that had to serve around them. This created a dangerous situation. When she jumped out of the SUV the officers back was turned, how does he know that she did not have a gun? The Sheriff may overreacted but so did the SUV mom but not following the officers direction
To those who think we will have to pay..
It is the Sheriff's Office, not Department anymore.
They were privatized a while ago to receive more funding.
Be it State Police who are convinced that an SUV can catch a motorcycle, or the local DEC who believe they belong in peoples living rooms, or this punk in a Sheriffs uniform,they all have one thing in common. They are convinced they are better than us, with God given powers over the common man. I am so sick of reading about these testosterone charged Bozos. Before they get to put on ANY uniform,give these fools an IQ test.
I cannot believe anyone thinks this woman deserved to be treated this way. Based on the number of posts that think the deputy acted correctly I can't decide which Onondaga County needs first: A new Sheriff or a new mental health facility with ballpark111, qwerty314, kshafer0410, et alii getting intense therapy.
Before I begin, lets have a moment of silence for rng88's brain. . .
(Deep breath)
Okay, now back to business. First, to all the posters that defended the cop based on the "you never get out of your vehicle unless told to" theory, that's all well and good, but she ultimately DID WHAT HE TOLD HER TO DO and got back into the car. He tazed her because then he wanted her out! She was no longer a threat to him. At that point he should have written her tickets, handed them to her and gone back to his car. Simple.
Second, though I am completely convinced Andrews was 100% in the wrong and completely failed to handle the situation properly, if I had to bet I would say it is more than likely this woman copped an attitude with the cop. I would bet she was somewhat beligerent and indignant, and her behavior of getting out of the car suggests that is true. Could be wrong, but that's what I would guess. And if I'm right, that doesn't make Andrews' actions any less wrong. But, it goes to show you that when you get pulled over you really ought to just answer the questions and be polite. Getting out of your car when the cop has not ordered you to is just DUMB. It will never end well. Even if you don't get tazed or beaten, you'll wind up with a couple more tickets, or arested.
Third, to all you people going on about better training - yeah, I'm sure there is a need for better training of police. But lets face it, this guy is just Dumb. And dummy + gun + tazer + badge = big trouble. He should have been fired months ago. Sherriff Kevin Walsh is just a huge enabler - he has a ton of goons and morons on his staff, and it just goes on and on. I know a lot of smart, decent, tough, law abiding people that would probably really like a $50k per year job with retirement in your 40's and lifetime benefits. It is time for Walsh to clean up his department or get out.
The fact that she is a woman....irrelevant
The fact that she is 5'4"....irrelevant
The fact that she had two kids in the car....irelevant
The fact that she was driving a minivan....irrelevant
The fact that this took place in the suburbs....irrelevant
The fact that she may have been falsely accused of talking on her cell phone when she actually wasn't...irrelevant
Now that I've weeded through all the irrelevant crap that have filled up the majority of the 500 posts on this story, let's get to the meat and potatoes of what happened that actually matters.
Ms. Harmon did not follow the officer's instructions. Getting out of your vehicle in a hostile manner immediately puts the officer at risk and on the defensive. How does he know that she isn't harmed or isn't high on drugs? Is it unlikely? Of course. But society cannot function in a safe and orderly manner if the instructions of police officers are not followed.
Posted by jacobsldr on 08/13/09 at 5:23PM
"She hardly looked threatening" ?..."
Yeah, she's a threat.
BANG BANG BANG
I hope the threat didn't cause you a stain on your chair. Get a grip, will you?
These police officers are "trained" to uphold the law not create the law. In their training they are taught to assess the situation at hand and act accordingly. I watched the video and yes, she looked like she may have been questioning his actions - with an attitude - HOWEVER - I hardly think that 5 miles over the speed limit and asking to see a video warrants not one but two tasings! I've said it before - it takes a certain egostical freak to be a sheriff. This guy went way overboard and I hope that the entire department learns from his actions.
jakesterman - you are absolutely right in your assessment of the situation. It was police brutality on every level, plain and simple.
lakesnow - I agree. Send him to the area with the highest drive-by shootings. I don't know if the streets will be cleared up, but I would bet that he'd be down in a matter of seconds.
This guy is a d-bag for his actions, however, why didnt this lady just listen to him and stop acting like a retard? Both are clowns. Besides, Ive been tasered before and its not even that painful.
I'll give anyone the benefit of doubt... But she was given lawful commands which she did not obey. Even her kid said to get in the car.... Seems to me her kid may be a touch more intelligent than little miss I want to go through the entire court process right here on this stop.
Moron..
setndoc and uberbeikerpe,
This is to the remark of, "Here is your challenge idiots. Show me in legal print where I can not get out of my car if pulled over!!!"
While it may not be written anywhere in a lawbook that you have to stay in your car when pulled over, you do have to comply with an officer's direction. If he tells you to get back in the car after exiting (and most likely he will) and you do not, he can arrest you for non-compliance. If after he tells you that you are under arrest and you do anything other than stay where you are and stay still you are now resisting arrest, a misdemeanor I believe.
If an officer put his lights on and gets behind your vehicle are you going to pull over or try to get next to his vehicle and talk to him?
Even if something is not against the law common sense should prevail. If the officer feels threatened he may "arrest" you until he feels the situation is under control. Being arrested does not mean you're going to jail or to court, it just means you have no right to move.
If he did that to MY wife, I would shove that taser so far up his backside, he'd need a team of surgeons to get it out.
"Posted by IWorkForMe on 08/13/09 at 5:46PM
setndoc and uberbeikerpe,
This is to the remark of, "Here is your challenge idiots. Show me in legal print where I can not get out of my car if pulled over!!!"
While it may not be written anywhere in a lawbook..."
And I thought you were going to enlighten us. What a fail!!!!!
jakesterman : it just proves the only ones that think the women should be treated this way are cops themselves proving the theory that their all the same, my god just look what they are writing in here obviously they are fellow cops and basically all saying they would do it too..these are our fellow neihbors we pay good money to protect us LOL america is a joke . protect and serve was a thing of the fifties now its harass and violate
jakesterman : it just proves the only ones that think the women should be treated this way are cops themselves proving the theory that their all the same, my god just look what they are writing in here obviously they are fellow cops and basically all saying they would do it too..these are our fellow neihbors we pay good money to protect us LOL america is a joke . protect and serve was a thing of the fifties now its harass and violate
AgainstDumb,
She did not comply with the officer's orders. Once he told her she was under arrest, then she decided she would comply with the officer's first set of orders but not the second, which was, "You're under arrest". At this time she is no longer allowed to move but decides to get back in the car where she now failed to comply with the second set of orders . By now it's too little too late.
Once under arrest, stick a fork in you, you're done.
i love how all the cops write in saying she put the officer at risk LOL if cops are scared of a yelling housewife now wonder why they are scared to go into the inner city where the real crime happens and would rather just drive around and hide and give seatbelt tickets, cause they know they wont be at risk LOL
this cop/kid must of got yelled at alot by his mommy and is still sour over it
freedom of speech why cant you question an officer?
Actually I work for me, an officer needs probable cause to make an arrest.
Law enforcement can't arrest you for failing to comply in all cases. I believe the Supreme Court held that you don't have to even respond to an officer when being questions.
It's not "Simon Says" out there, do it or go to jail.
Posted by amazedinnc on 08/13/09 at 5:43PM
Besides, Ive been tasered before and its not even that painful.
---
LOL. Quote of the day.
i bet 100$ via paypal she will win a lawsuit hands down of at least 500k? any takers?
You should come to fl..you can talk on the cell, text,put on mascara,read the paper,race to the red then run it..no car inspection..no seatbelts..window tint...carry a concealed weapon..fun part is you get to pay extra on your insurance for uninsured motorists...but the sun is worth it ...
JS21,
While I agree with you, he wasn't asking her any questions therefore he did not violate her Miranda rights or the 5th Amendment. The officer made a request for compliance.
colorblinded
I explained it once....but for you here it is again......He told her to get back in the car three times....she refused. Thats NOT complying. He then told her she was under arrest and to put her hands behind her back...she refused and THEN got back in the car....thats NOT complying. He then pulls her from the vehicle to make the arrest and she resists....again...NOT complying. Thats when she gets tasered. SHE created this problem. What a great mom...teaching her kids to have no respect
iworkfor....yah, right
this busy er md is back and here u go....u obviously are still missing the part that says there are no charges pending regarding your misdemeeeaaaneeer resisting arrest and the fact that this woman's "RIGHTS" have been illegally denied. Please, finally someone with no nads finally has the nads to get out of her car and call the idiot on his lie.....and u defend this...u class yourself with him....hey drop aqnother5 drunk off to the er and lie to me about.....He SAID HE WAS SUICIDAL so you don't have to book him....idiot...next time3 u drop off a drunk officer and gaurde him for 6 hours with hope of intimidating me ....I'll remember!
I would like to make several comments. First, I am willing to bet that "officer" Andrews was one of the CLAY CLOWNS that the sheriffs department was forced to retain when the 2 departments merged. Secondly, congratulations to district attorney Bill Fitzpatrick and his office for seeing that "officer" Andrews acted TOTALLY unprofessionally in his handling of this situation. And finally to Audra Harmon, I have passed you many times on the road in your duties as a school bus driver and you have always acted professionally and courtiously. You GO GIRL...I hope you cost this idiot his job.
we all know why 95% of people become cops.. they had a terrible child hood and were never accepted by friends or fellow classmates. rarley got the girls either. FACT
Sheriff's road patrols are pretty much an anachronism in much of the country. A great many counties now maintain a civil division, warrants and the like, and have done away with road patrols. There's just not enough funds to adequately train people on the county level – and this situation certainly is evidence of the fact.
Iworkforme
You are right common sense should prevail. Unfortunately the man that is trained to handle the situation did not show any. He pulled over, harrassed, abused and tortured an innocent person. Not only that but he endangered the welfare of her children by putting them in a stressful situation. The police officer should be the one getting arrested. Having a badge in NO WAY allows you to torture people.
Thank you for answering though.
JS21, you are correct. If an officer stops you for no reason you do not have to talk to him/her.
Also, seeing you on your phone is probable cause that you have committed a violation. Therefore the subsequent stop is a seizure. You are not free to leave and you have to answer basic questions as to identity. You also have to obey any lawful order given to you. A traffic ticket is basically an arrest but you are being released on an appearance ticket of sorts.
qwerty
she isn't allowed to question a "officer" cause u say so
Upon1 is spot. For anyone who has gone to college at a school with a criminal justice major, think back. The CJ guys were all freaks, geeks, and headcases.
do we really need all these cops aound here their is thousands . sherrifs troopers towns dea fbi marshalls list goes on and on but have crime rates ever fallen or been reduced? anyone know how many cops their are in onodoga county including all agencies and investagators and desk jockies and jail guys? i bet over 10,000? am i close?
You people who are trying to justify the actions of Sean Andrews--what are your standards, anyway? What would it TAKE for you to be critical of the police? Would people have to start disappearing like in Argentina? I shudder to think of whatever your idea is of a "free country."
WHEN THE POLICE TELL YOU TO DO SOMETHING, DO IT!
The police have a difficult job, one most of you wouldn't touch. I always do what the police tell me to do and I've never been beaten or tazed. People are smarta$$es these days.
or is it a "lack of respect"...read the article....watch the video....he looked really threatened!!!! and again show me in writing aqny law, any question on a motor vehicle exam, any place where it is stated that it is against the law to get out of your motor vehicle if pulled over!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well the hero comes out of them with traffic stops, they need some realistic priorities
Posted by eao1115 "society cannot function in a safe and orderly manner if the instructions of police officers are not followed."
To which I add: Seig Heil!
For hardfacts: Those officers at the Sunday market are 'Special Deputies' contracted out through the OCSD and paid for by the Regional Market. Yes, you are right in your assessment of their actions; just hanging out and browsing the booths. In fact, one weekend I watched them go thru the barns and they stopped at one booth selling used electronic goods. The Deputies were calling in file checks to the Dispatch office in order to ascertain if any of the items were stolen property. Funny thing is the booth was manned by minority types and the officers were white males. I have been going to the Sunday Flea Market for years and this was the one and only time I have ever seen them file check items for sale. Yet, I have seen vendors in the past illegally sell pepper spray, nun chucks, etc. and they do nothing. Just another indication of the OCSD mentality...
jalimb
have you ever had to go to court, higher a lawyer, loose days of your life because an idiot lied....she would have been found innocent and he would be off pulling you over tomorrow and taking your rights away in the name of "EGO" instead of saying I made a mistake and have a good day.
Sure would be nice to have the actual audio that was in sync with the video. I would really like to hear the actual conversation, not the narrated version.
SHFOR22 has the correct information. However, if he didn't know how to handle the situation,he should have called for back-up to his sargent.
What I believe is wrong, is why the D.A./Chief Walsh, have waited app. eight months to do anything about this situation?. Did they think that this would go away be itself and they could cover it up!!!!!. By the way I understand the deputy now has a desk job and we are still paying him full road salary!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the cover-up D.A. You will notice the only time the D.A.and Walsh ever call for a press conference is to brag about a big drug bust!!!!!.
she got out of her car...and was tased that is what she deserved stay in your car. end of story should have listened to your kid there...get back in the car mom...even the 15 year old knew you were a threat to the cop and now his life he wanted you to sit down so he could feel safe!!
im guessing she did what everyone does when they get pulled over for talking on the phone with someone else in the car..u toss them your phone and say delete the last call and than bam cop pulls up and u say whatttt check my phone! i havent been talking to anyone.
hope this lady learns to listen and that her children learned something from this.. stay in your car.
wow what a classic case of poor training.
jalimb: you've got to half cracked to stand up for the cop on this one!!
This looks like a terrible "cops" episode where the officer is on his first day and his mentor took the day off. There is now way this officer was in the top of his class.
Sad day for Walsh and crew as the good standing youth in our community just lost an unmeasurable amount of faith in his deputies and law enforcement all together.
everyone that is writing in agree with the cop is clearly a cop themselves and are admitting they would do the same thing.. = all cops are idiots
you can not tell from the video what the conversation was. I heard that she is a royal B**** and was very beligerant.. I know this man and he is one of the kindest people I know, that anyone who knows him will testify to this. She did something that provoked this action. I guess all of your ignorance will prove that you should never be allowed on a jury. You would find everybody guilty. Get a life and leave his alone. Why don't you harrass this "B" and see what she is really all about.
so ewwoooooooooooooooo
u would bend over and take it up............'cause u have no nads
show me where he told her "stay in your cae or else" next time i am pulled overI am getting out of my car!!
i too I shudder to think of what savonarola would say if she didnt get in the car after the three requests and than shot the cop, "oh well everyone knows if you refuse what the cop says after one time the officer needs to do something like draw a weapon to protect himself"....why are people defending this lady what has syracuse come to
im a 22yr old and next time i get pulled over im going to refuse to do anything and get out of my car a few times and than struggle with the office...than if he does something to protect himself or others..im gonna sue! yes!...
hahaha hope this goes national you guys are all kidding yourselves..a real news station would get a good laugh
what do you think would of happened if her husband was a senator or something? LOL
What a jerk. 5 miles over the speed limit and with her kids in the van. Ok so MAYBE she shouldnt have gotten out of the van. That puts these guys on the defensive immediately but give me a break. I hope this clown loses EVERYTHING he has worked for in his life
PHYRE
he graduated from Su not a community college. He has also served his country in the US Army. So shut the hell up as you do not have a clue as to what you are talking about..Loser
PHYRE
he graduated from Su not a community college. He has also served his country in the US Army. So shut the hell up as you do not have a clue as to what you are talking about..Loser
sandwitch
this md would love to be on the jury
Lets see, u say u heard she's a B
I watched the video.
I here the witnesses
I here your character wittness portrayal
I vote "Show her the money"
She gets less B'y
gOT TO LOVE IT
everyone that is writing in agree with the cop is clearly a cop themselves and are admitting they would do the same thing.. = all cops are idiots
savonarola, I think you're misreading many post. I agree the deputy made bad decisions but those who are not willing to accept that Harmon is also to blame need to wake up and learn to constructively analyze a situation based on facts without prejudice. Most on here hate cops and cannot get past their own prejudices to look at the facts.
fact; the officer thought she was on her phone which justifies the stop and the subsequent ticket. (he never looked at her phone so there is no evidence that she was not)
fact; 50mph is in fact speeding in a 45mph zone (pathetic ticket buy illegal none the less)
fact; the officer told her to stay in her car and since she is being seized for committing a violation must obey any lawful order. (had she done this the rest of the fact lines stop)
fact; she was asked several times to return to her vehicle. (had she done this the rest of the fact lines stop)
fact; she was told she was under arrest before returning to her car.(this is the point the officer could have swallowed his pride and returned to his vehicle to write the tickets)
fact; she refused to get out of the car thus resisting her arrest.
fact; once out of the car she continued to resist her arrest.
Now, the deputy could have physically over powered her but that would likely result in injury and also puts both in danger of passing cars. The deputy could have sprayed her but those that know anything about pepper know it makes a mess and requires decontamination. The deputy chose to taser her which get's her under control without injury and without the need for decon.
Both parties are to blame for the escalation of this event but the deputy responded to harmon's actions.
I understand a cop has to be able to act quickly in DANGEROUS situations and do whats necessary to protect themselves.. but NOT in situations like this. If you were so threatened by a mom in a minivan that you had to use your taser, then i dont know how you make it through the academy.
If you don't get fired there's something seriously wrong in the OCS! It's guys like you that give cops a bad name. to the community of central new york...please dont associate this low-life with REAL police officers because there ARE great cops here SERVING and PROTECTING our communities, and using their weapons the CORRECT way. Find another way to make your ticket quota, Andrews...
Goodluck to Harmon..
served and graduated so now can taser innocent soccer moms, welcome to syracuse
glad to see some sensible posts since this morning when i read this..anyone with half an ounce of brains knows...get mouthy with the cops you lose!!! yes, the # 1 rule when you are pulled over is: stay in your car unless told otherwise!!! i'm not really fond of alot of cops either, i do respect that they put their lives on the line every day. ask yourself if your job is a constant threat to your well being?? i mean a real threat...not just "if i do something, i could get hurt/killed" they get hurt/killed because of someone else's stupidity!!! she did this to herself is the bottom line!!!!
have you ever had to go to court, higher a lawyer, loose days of your life because an idiot lied....she would have been found innocent and he would be off pulling you over tomorrow and taking your rights away in the name of "EGO" instead of saying I made a mistake and have a good day
---------------------------------------
sethndoc
If he told me to get in the car, I would do it immediately. Smarta$$es used to get a nightstick upside the head. Everyone had more respect for the police back then. Now we live in a pansy a$$ society.
The more I read the posts on here,rewatch the video,listen to all her umms because she can't talk for s**t the more I realize that her lawyer called the post standard to get this ball rolling. The lets get people on our side ball, which seams to be working because I hear she will be on the today show tomorrow at 7:30 am. I also hear that she forgot to take her meds that day. This is a joke, sad but true, SHE MADE HER choice to get out of the van. IS SHE ABOVE THE LAW? SHE THINKS SO.
To:boodaah who said:
And finally to Audra Harmon, I have passed you many times on the road in your duties as a school bus driver and you have always acted professionally and courtiously. You GO GIRL...I hope you cost this idiot his job.
You ARE a friend of this well educated women, no doubt. Like you really pay attention to all the school buses??? She is always professional and courtious. PLEASE! If she acts like this WHY is she allowed to be around school kids, better yet drive them to school? I will made sure my kids ARE NOT driven by her, I hope that all the liverpool parents watch this video over and over to see she clearly WILL NOT follow directions from any law porfessional let alone her boss.Sio that leads me to believe her does what she wants when she wants? She should not be a school bus because I believe if you are a bus driver you should be porfessional always even after hours, you represent the liverpool school district. Just like an other professional. She did not act professional or intellagent at all, her kids were with her, how freaking smart is she, did she think fo rone second about hem, yup, thought they would help her cause, she is using them to get money now. NICE
WENDMICH,
I'm so glad you clarified the fact that your buddy, Sean Andrews, is only a disgrace to Syracuse University, the Army, the Sheriffs Dept. and the many reasonable and disciplined deputies, and the citizens of Onondaga County.
Sure glad it wasn't my beloved OCC.
soit says.....fact
fact....he stoppped, let her pull by, then turned on his SIREN
fact....she pulled over and denied with reasonable argument the charge
fact...he then changed the charge to speeding implying he had radar evidence in the car
fact...she got out of the car...I will from now on, not against any law, and asked to see the evidence.
fact... was told to get back in the car...madee absolutely no aggressive gesture and ultoimately got back in
Fact was pulled out and tasered twice
fact...nocharges via D/A=SHOW HER THE MONEY
Although these assaults are rampant, each one is still disgusting. At least one good thing came of it. Those kids will grow up knowing never to call the cops, ever, for any reason.
Audra,
you are an idiot...it's so good to see young children being taught to defy police then to show them how to cry about it (even when you're wrong) and then to show them how to get money from the taxpayers by sueing for the so-called wrong doing...congrats Audra, you are upstanding citizen as I'm sure your children will be from you setting your fine example. Mom in a minivan? Like other posters said, if it was a different part of town and Audra was black, you would all be applauding this officer for doing his job. The taser is a less lethal use of force, its better than being pepper sprayed, when the taser is over, it's over, the pepper spray however lasts for hours. This officer used an appropriate method to gain control of this loud mouth b$#@%. Audra, I hope you rot in hell for bringing this incessant complaint against an officer who was just trying to do his job. I'd have tased you too, you dumb cow. And you're driving a school bus full of kids? Glad it's not my kids, I certainly wouldn't want to them to be influenced by your ignorance.
to lpool idiot supported
FROM ALL OF US WHO SIMILARLY HAVE BEEN ABUSED BY SELF RIGHTEOUS SIMILAR REPRESENTATATIVES OF LAW ENFORCEMENT I again say show her and her lawyer the money and she can have my share
First and for most you guys up here commenting on this are freaking idiots! police have tasers because they are a nondeadly way of enforcing a direct order that is not being obeyed. second all police officers who carry and use a taser were once shocked themselves its the only way they get to use this peace keepingg device.Third it is very apparent that the woman in this video was not following the officers direct order but instead came towards him and also turned her back to him on several ocations during this incodent,not to mention thAT if you were 15yrs of age and saw someone doing your mother wrong even an officer of the law you would help her! i know i would and he was a freaking wrestler.also just use common sense with this does her body language really go along with the comentation we had to endure listening to watch the video again and see if what she is saying actualy goes with the amount of time that goes bye and you can tell there are words being exchanged other then what she is saying ,it all comes down to this, officers are trained to know when to use a taiser and that is when someone does not follow a direct order and thats that!also did you know this woman is lawsuit hungry won a law suit against the school district an d was allowed too keep her job to because she has a good lawyer not to long ago either.i know she is full of you know what!!it just doesnt add up and you all get up here not knowing the real story and choose a side wow im so glad im not in your family! just think about it use of taser = not following an order issued by an officer why dont some of you acttually do some homework on these stories before you start waving your pointer fingers around also bet half of you didnt know that tthe audio equipmentt had been down in that vehicle for a while now and we pay taxes for keeping tthis stuff working so our protectors are not put in this position pay taxes and still not fixed now look at what is going on with this mans life its not a game get somecommon sense you idiots!
Posted by lpool13090 on 08/13/09 at 7:09PM
"The more I read the posts on here,rewatch the video,listen to all her umms because she can't talk for..."
..the more I, lpool13090 demonstrate my complete lack of comprehension and ignorance of the difference between law and power. I'm pretty much a fool wherever I go.
coppertop,
this md wants to know why i should teach my kids that no one can abuse them accept dishonest authorities. then they should shut up and take their wooping!!! defend that idiot
A litigant does not get money from "the tax payers" when she wins a lawsuit against a police department. The tax payers have already lost the money. They don't have it anymore. She gets money from the tax feeders, which is an entirely different class of people. I hope she wins so much money that the department can't afford badge polish or batteries for their electroshock compliance toys.
First of all, i do not justify what the cop did.
BUT
She should have never gotten out of the van, especially with his back turned.
We did not hear the conversation I would love to though.
Terry Hoffman is a awesome lawyer.
She will win...
hey get back in the van...ok now get back out of the van. i forgot i just got my shiny new tazer and wanna try it out..you dont mind do you Mrs middle aged white lady that is clearly no threat at all to me ...do you? ok cool!!
I agree with the posters here stating that the woman should have complied. Did the officer 'go overboard'? Perhaps, but compliance on the woman's part was key to the situation not escalating.
...and as far as the posters stating that the officer managed to create two more 'cop haters', well it's obvious that the woman has no respect for law enforcement and that message was probably conveyed to her children before this incident.
If the woman wins a lawsuit against the department, she is not taking money from "tax payers." The tax payers don't have the money anymore. The tax feeders have it, and the tax payers are never getting it back.
I hope she wins so much money that the department can't afford badge polish, or batteries for their electroshock torture toys.
Sorry for the near duplicate message. The first one did not show up right away and I thought it was in the bit bucket.
I guess the moral of this story is LISTEN TO THE LEGAL ORDERS OF THE POLICE! You admit over and over where the police officer asked you to comply and you refused. I feel sorry for your children that they had to witness their mother acting in such a fashion. Our police have enough to deal with without minivan moms with bad attitudes.
The OCSO are the ones that identified this incident, not the lawyer, and not the media. The OCSO also agrees that Sean's behavior was seriously out of line and detrimental to the relationship between police and citizens of this county.
Don't believe me, call Sheriff Walsh and ask him yourself like I did.
Coppertop - what's the matter, Sean's little badge bunny upset she's going to miss out on all those overtime presents this christmas?
Seems like we have a majority of people here who don't believe in bending over for the government, which is a good thing... at least you remember the Constitution, and the sacrifice thousands of Americans have made throughout the centuries to protect us from this very same type of government oppression.
Many people don't have the stomach for civil disobedience... they find it much easier to sit on the couch, watching tv, and eating cheetohs. I pity them, for their freedom has already been lost.
Please may I see the tape Mr. Officer sir?
Please Mr. Officer may I get back in the van with my children?
I'm 100% sure that her version of the conversation is an outright lie.
If you don't want to be tasered then comply with the police officer (even if he is wrong).
To take it one step further - if you wish to be treated with respect then treat other people with respect.
What was he supposed to do?
She should have done what she was told The court is the place to fight these things
upon1,
I'd like to know where you get your "statistics". I'll give you some facts....people like you have nothing better to do than sit behind a keyboard and group everyone you don't like together. FACT. People like you had an insignificant childhood and spent most of your time behind mommy's apron. FACT. People like you couldn't and wouldn't (probably because of pure fear) go out and do the job that the good police officers of this village/town/county/state go out and do every day to protect your sorry a@@. I know you won't get a chance to read this until you get home from flippin' those burgers but I thought I'd put it up here for you. By the way....I can hardly wait for Christmas so I can see you sing "Ding fries are done" just once again.
Again,again, again I defy anyone to show me where it is aqgainst any law to get out of your car.....come on i am waiting
I don't want my tax dollars used for this miscreant's salary. He should be immediately and permanently fired, never to work in law enforcement again. This guy is on a power trip and shouldn't be entitled to carry a weapon or taser. His judgment and behavior were deplorable. He is nothing more than a bully.
My heart goes out to her and her children. If Walsh won't do his job then perhaps Joni Mahoney should do hers.
Esyrdad . I guess you never heard of the colledge student that got tasered in the eye and died after the red sox won the world series and the officer even admitted that she was not his intended target . Yes tasers do cause irreprable harm up to and includeing death .
Barb
but they get to fabricate lies when they are challenged as opposed to admitting an error and sying "see ya, have a nice day!"
Well I were walkin out in the woods and I seed me this here beaver, and that there beaver said, like hey, man, the sky is blue, like don't ya get it. So I knowd right than and there that that there beaver was one a them there crazy beavers what yous always hearin spoke about. So you know what they means, don't ya, young fellow? Well I'm here to tell yas, it's gonna be a cold winter, you mark my words.
Fascist pigs! Th police state isn't coming it's here. NWO puppets at best. If we don't fight against this, we will all end up like the victims in Nazi Germany.
ok great so the lady got out of the van..did that make him pull out his tazer and electrocute her? no..his reaction to her action of getting out was telling her to GET BACK IN THE VAN..there that was how he solved that situation..BUT then ..he starts a new one...he tells her to GET BACK OUT OF THE VAN...then he tazes her....her getting out didnt cause him to taze her...he already responded to that by telling her to get back in..which she did...THEN he started his own..told her to get back out..so he could use his shiny new tazer..
I see the trolls are behind their monitors hanging out in cyberspace, again. The day you twits get off your fat arses and do some real work is the day hell freezes over.
Oh, and sethndoc? I'd bet your welfare money you aren't an MD, much less an ER MD. And if you are, I'm going with BO's plan. If you were you wouldn't be in such a hurry to tell the world. Wassa matter? Fail out of medical school?
A.) You NEVER! get out of your car, during a traffic stop, ESPECIALLY with officer's back to you, unless you are told to. B.) When you are given an order, "Get back in the car, Mam," you get your butt back in the car. C.) If you are asked to do something 3 or 4 times & you don't comply, you will be arrested for disorderly conduct. D.) If you resist arrest, you will be tazed. It's really simple. When an officer pulls over a car, he has no idea who he is dealing with. She could've had a warrant, she may've been on drugs, she might just be crazy, she may have a weapon, etc. Those may not have even been her kids or her car. There may have been an Amber alert on this lady. If she was so worried about her kids, she should've set an example of how to respect authority.
Still don't get what difference that fact she pumped kids out,,,, oh yeah sensationalism sells papers,,,,, wish the PS would stop taking sides and report the news
HCCCClax so he showed her so much respect that he pulleed her over, lied, took away all her rights under false pretenses and then u say she should just take it 'cause he is the officer. I think not and stay tuned; the proof is in the puddin"
Wow...this is the first time I watched this with the volume up. Did she say "he asked me to go down?" Wow...what a perv.
billy boy, i will get out of my car anytime i want to and u show me 1 law that says iu cant. thank god she did...now she has witnesses to this abuse....."Show her the Money"
Cop stops Ms Harmon. Why? alledged cellphone use. She denies use & asks him to check time of last call. Cop sees he's wrong, says sorry & sends her on her way. Obviously this doesnt happen as his EGO gets in the way. He gets this thing right in the first place, all that follows DOES NOT HAPPEN, no matter who is right or wrong on what ensues. So he trumps up the speeding violation (50 in a 45mph zone) which is a "her word against his" situation to try and salvage some face! School bus drivers EARN a CDL with a passenger endorsement and are held to a much higher standard than the average driver, especially in Ms Harmon's district as they are monitored & tested frequently throughout the school year. Every school bus driver's job is at stake whenever they get behind the wheel, be it a school bus or their personal vehicle, not to mention the wellbeing of the kids.
thats the only reason a cop doesn't get minimum wage. It might be dangerous.........you take the 50,000-you take a risk. You still can't be acting like an idiot. If you can't handle stress, quit.
What rights? There are no rights.. George Bush took our constitution. If you believe you have rights.. you need to go to Guantanamo Bay with the rest of the people who believe they have rights. Or start following Rush Limbum.
your right billy boy, he was dealing with a woman that wouldn't be lied to just because the officer waqnted to maintain a lie instead of admit a mistake
K.O.B.K. this right wing american white boy still believes....i just see the injustice here and am sounding off against it. Hope is a wonderful thing....shawshank redemption
sethndoc, what aren't you understanding. When you are pulled over for committing, or allegedly committing, a violation you are being seized and a traffic ticket is like being arrested but being released on an appearance ticket. Since you are being seized you must obey any lawfull order wether that to be getting out of your car or staying in your car. Therefore, disobeying that order is against the law. Further, after speaking with you the officer goes to his/her car to write a ticket. If you get out of our car you are preventing him/her from doing this therefore you are obstructing which is against the law. SO, go ahead and get out of your car and we will all watch the video on america's dumbest criminals.
Sure the woman was wrong for not following directions when she should have realized that she was confronted with a rogue cop. Given a person a gun and a badge bestows tremendous power on him/her. But the bottom line is; we should not have to experience rogue cops. This individual is a coward and should be summarily dimissed and then sued by the woman for personal damages.
eao1115- Are you kidding me????? What a moron you are. If you think there is no difference in threat between this lady and the same traffic stop on the South or West side at midnight then you should get out more, read the newspapers and wake up before you make you stupid statements. I don't know of too many gun slinging, knife carrying middle age soccer moms. Perhaps the PTA is just a cover up!! I'll be on the look out now!
KillorBekill- you need some serious help.
TIME TO REINSTATE D.R.I.V.E.R. E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N. IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS!!
Since when does a driver pulled over by a police officer get out of the car!!! YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO STAY IN THE CAR. ANSWER QUESTIONS ASKED, PRODUCE DOCUMENTS, ETC.
YOU ARE NOT THERE TO DEBATE; CHALLENGE or REQUEST EVIDENCE!!!
I can't believe the people who believe this is the fault of the police officer!!!
I guess those of you who think everything is the fault of the police need to remember officers like ANDREW SPERR....who stopped a car on a "routine" traffic stop!! Google his name if you've never heard of him.
funny how every cop on here and in onodoga county are on the side of this sherrif just proves they are all the same.. powertripping x mall security loosers if this guy were getting laid he wouldnt of been this uptight i bet for sure he beats the women in his life 100%
funny how every cop on here and in onodoga county are on the side of this sherrif just proves they are all the same.. powertripping x mall security loosers if this guy were getting laid he wouldnt of been this uptight i bet for sure he beats the women in his life 100%
jillo....top of my class and your on, but of course can,t be sucked in to your idiocy. truth be told the point is that this topic deserves substantiation and thus my statements with an air of authenticity.
Mrs Harmon having to sit there and listen to him changing his story without being able to speak in her own defense...sounds like she's dealing with the Gestapo. Is there more of the same going on? We'll be standing by........
Dear God, why couldn't I have been lucky enough to run into this idiot ex-cop?? Think of the schools I could have put my kids through. Think how good it would feel to pay off that mortgage....... And think how it would feel to move out of TAX A MINUTE New York and live where the sun actually shines. ANY OF YOU TESTOSTERONE FUELED MOUNTYS ,OUT THERE, please find me going 5 over the limit with an imaginary cell phone, 'cause I'm sick of being poor. And living where the cops would rather beat up mommy than find some REAL crime. (safer, huh???)
i think by law you only have to put your window down enough to hand your paperwork through like 1" no point in talking with these arrogant know it all 20yr olds with guns lol met a cop the other day that was 23 he thought he was so cool thought he was the man LOL young punk i laughed right at him
imnotlocal = tool
'YOU ARE NOT THERE TO DEBATE; CHALLENGE or REQUEST EVIDENCE!!!'
Oh really? I hope for the day when something like this happens and you are not read your Miranda warning and coerce a confession out of you.
jillo and great bo;s plan will cost u and i can get paid instead of seeing u fgor free...u know what i mean,,,,lol
Posted by GhostWheel on 08/13/09 at 6:32PM
Posted by eao1115 "society cannot function in a safe and orderly manner if the instructions of police officers are not followed."
To which I add: Seig Heil""
So, you prefer anarchy? Let me guess you are a liberal lawyer with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans, trying to make a name for yourself?? Sorry, no victim here, just a law breaking, loud mouth with no respect for the law. Have you contacted her yet for legal counsel??
pursacat,
Naughty person! I'll have you know that the NWO doesn't use tasers. Our humorless men in black leather trenchcoats and fedoras carry Walther PPKs with silencers. Tasers are for sissies.
I am glad cop cars are equipped with cameras. Imagine how much more they can (and have in the past) get away with if they weren't there. It would be more "he said she said", and cops usually get the benefit of the doubt in that case.
Without sound on the video, its a case of he said she said. I'm sure a court would take the officer's side of the story alot more serious than some bus drivers. YOU DONT GET OUT OF YOUR CAR TO ARGUE WITH AN OFFICER LADY. HE DOESNT HAVE TO SHOW YOU THE PROOF OF THE SPEEDING TICKET. IF YOU GOT A PROBLEM WITH THE TICKET, GO TO COURT LIKE 99% OF PEOPLE DO AND FIGHT IT. YOUR DRIVING AUTHORITY ENDS WHEN YOU STEP YOUR FAT BEHIND OFF THE SCHOOL BUS. YOU WOULD HAVE MOST LIKELY HAD YOUR TICKET THROWN OUT YOU FOOL, INSTEAD YOU TURN A SIMPLE TRAFFIC TICKET INTO THIS GARBAGE. YOU DESERVED TO GET TASERED, AND IF I WAS THE OFFICER, I WOULDNT REGRET ONE THING THAT I DID TO YOU.
This is a disgusting display of an idiot on a power trip. I don't believe that the laws have changed - isn't one innocent until proven guilty? This officer should not only be terminated from the force and not allowed to work in law enforcement again, but should also be arrested for assault. At no time in the video did she display any form of physical violence or attack on the officer. He is the one to lay his hands on her and pull her with force from the vehicle, tazer her, and then push her multiple times on the ground.
The sad part (really) is that it is us, the taxpayers, who will continue to pay his salary while the "investigation" takes place. And, when she sues (and wins), it will also be us, the taxpayers, to fork over the settlement as well. I'm feeling another property tax increase coming on...
never ever was i told ever that it is against the law to get out of my car and for at least the 5th time defy anyone to show me any document that says so!
What this woman was doing was getting out of her car and proving her point. She knew she was in the right, and didn't need that bloated robo cop telling her what she WASN'T doing.
Men generally don't like it when you call them out, especially super "testosteroned" members of the police force.
She opened her mouth when she shouldn't have and she got tazed.
It is true, when the officer told her to stay in her vehicle she should have. Police officers, for their own safety, have reasons for asking civilians to stay in their vehicles.
However, she obviously was not posing a threat. Her hands were clearly at her sides.
I sincerely hope NYS police forces across the state use this as a training tool in the future.
This officer will not have be an officer by the end of this month, all because he let his adrenaline get the best of him.
sethndoc,
A little slow on the draw now are we? If you really are a doctor I hope you aren't a surgeon; someone might never get off the table. For an MD you'd think your posts would show a little more, how shall I say this - attention to grammar. If you really are a doctor please shut your piehole about being one. Saying you are is the sure sign of an amateur.
Recently the Chief of Police of Alexandria, VA was arrested for DUI. He blew a .19. All togeher now...DUHHHHHHHHHHHH DUMBARSE.
He told the arresting officer he only had 2 beers. Well, maybe if he was 40 lbs.
I wonder if he was tased. He should have been 'cause he LIED to a cop!
it is IRRELEVANT that she got out of the car in her getting tazered...her getting out DID NOT CAUSE HER TO BE TAZED. remember..he ordered her to get back in...WHICH SHE DID..that was his response/action to her getting out of the van..ok case closed for that..BUT then..he starts his own action and tells her to get back out..and then he tazes her...so her getting out is irrelevant of her getting tazed..are you people idiots?
hey bmw, she will take her tasering .....through her clothes i might add, all the way to the bank, then she can but two bmw,s in her new garage in south carolina and stop driving bus. kind of like our new millionare from up north last week. u know the other woman who stood up against unrighteousness despite the nys medicaid fraud school hierarchy
She should have never gotten pulled over in the first place. Back to mall duty for you. absolutely ridiculous.
Far from a dumb criminal soitsays.... this lady will get a nice ransom because of the dumb officer.
I saw the video and read the column. My personal thoughts:
1) The woman got out of the car when not instructed to.
2) A cop does NOT have the ability to show you the tape in the car. I don't believe he is not allowed to tamper with the device (it's not like a radar gun, which you can request to see).
3) The first thing they teach you in a drivers safety course, when being pulled over, is to stay in the vehicle unless otherwise instructed to.
4) Without hearing the conversation of the traffic stop we don't know what was or was not stated. Its easy after months of the incident to rehearse what you want to say to the general public.
5) The cop may have over reacted a little but the lady brought it upon herself when she was not following the instructions of the police officer.
Why is a "traffic stop gone bad" being put out to the public 8 MONTHS after it happened. If you were wronged wouldn't you want to address it right away?
Paul Blaunt - Mall Cop, tape here shows excessive force by the "taser cop" - pulling this lady's arm to get her outta the car, not much of a time lapse before he started pulling at her, and the taser shots... Glad I am not on the jury for this one - lady gets big buck$$$
jello
my piehole need not be open to type and being the comfortable blogger i am today, aqnd that rarely, i have no interest in grammer, capitals, spellin g or being perceived as anything but an amateur. but my opinion...ah yes, that my dear is cutting like my rarely but on occasion surgical knife
Why is the investigation taking this long? The tape show it's quite obvious what happened, as well as Ms. Harmon's statement. The officer's report was precise but showed he was not even clocking the speed precisely. Clocking the speed without a radar gun and saying "it was 50" means it was *probably* *around* 50. Even if it *was* 50, that's not a reason for police intervention.
Oh, and do you want her in the car or out of the car? Make up your mind. Do not accuse her of obstructing traffic when she got out of the car, and then brutally drag her out yourself, to obstruct the whole lane's traffic.
And for Onondaga County's Sheriff Dept., an explanation would be nice about now. People mess up, departments mess up, and it should at least be acknowledged.
papajoe,
The case you're referring to did not involve a TASER. The female was struck in the eye with a less than lethal (not non-lethal) bean bag round not a TASER.
That being said, in this instance the Deputy was an idiot. If that were me, and the woman offered to let me look at her cellphone to verify if she had been on the phone, of course I would. If I was proven wrong then I would apologize and send her on her way.
But by far all cops are not like this. And those of you using this story to bash us all makes me sick. Especially the poster who said they were happy when cops get killed.
Posted by LuvMyLL on 08/13/09 at 8:19PM
imnotlocal = tool
'YOU ARE NOT THERE TO DEBATE; CHALLENGE or REQUEST EVIDENCE!!!'
Oh really? I hope for the day when something like this happens and you are not read your Miranda warning and coerce a confession out of you
______________________________________________
The officer is not there to dispute facts. He states what he observed and does not have to listen to your excuses. If he does, he can choose to believe you or not to but roadside is not the place for you to pitch a defense. Also, what does miranda rights have to do with this story?
Additionally, this would not happen to me, or most, because I can be honest with myself and say that everytime I have been pulled over I was breaking the law. Some might have been small fractures but illegal none the less. I always treated the officers with respect and most of the time was let go. The ones I got a ticket I went to court, spoke with the ada and got it reduced. I handled it the way it should be and not the way this female did. She escalated the situation. Show police respect and most of the time you will get it back. Even the video shows the officer walking back to the car. Had she stayed in the car we would not be having this conversation. She attempted to control the situation and lost. Now she wants to use her bad behavior to make a profit. The reality is, no matter how much money she get's, she will raise her kids to be criminals. She can use the money to bail her kids out when they try the same stunts with the police.
unionman, i agree but the bloggers then go to she took too long getting back in her car. its all idiocy. she did not need to be tasered period.
sethndoc,
I'll bet your surgical knife is a bit floppy.
With the attention this is getting, it's going to be VERY hard to convict the officer of any more wrongdoing. He has already been placed off patrol by the sheriffs office, and been given a punishment for his actions. If this lady thinks shes getting a big payday out of this she better wake up. After this case is over, shell be back to getting up at 4AM and heading off to the LPOOL bus garage.
this is what is going to happen in court..he will say he tazed her basically because she got out of the car..and then the attorney will say "well you responded/solved that situation by telling her to get back in..which she did as clearly on video..why would you tell her to get back out seconds after you told her to get back in?"..the only one using threatening force is you mr Anderson as we can clearly see in the video of you tugging on the womens arm..then to top it off you hit her with the tazer"
here is a thought - when did you get the right to talk back and refuse the orders of an officer of the LAW? who is this person that sets an example to her children that you should talk back to police and authority? regardless of right or wrong, which is for the courts to decide, she got tasered because she did not comply with the order to exit the car, which she admits freely in this article. when a police officer says do it, you do it. period. everyone says that they are innocent. let the courswt decide. do what authority says. respect it. teach your children. the right thing to do, so they don't start talking back to teachers and bus drivers and then police. come on lady.
"BMW325xi" that username alone tells me where you're coming from. Ego defending ego!!!!
Andrews acts not defendable. Harmon won't follow orders so he pulls her out of the car and zaps her. This is the only way he can control a traffic violation? He obviously felt threatened by a 5 foot tall chick. He is a COWARD and bully. Whoa, the 5 foot tall chick gave him some lip and he wasn't tough enough to control the situation. Incapacitate her with a Taser. Quote any law that you want, this is an act of cowardice. Walsh must go.
"Harmon said she wants to teach police a lesson: It's OK to admit you're wrong".
I guess Mrs. Harmon that this lesson only goes one way because you were wrong as well. Hypocrites unite!
Just a reminder: Johnny Gamage. Raul Mora. All innocents killed by police hands. I honestly do repsect the service LEO does for us. But out of control and overly agressive police need to be culled from the force.
And yes, she shoulda stayed in the car. They teach that in drivers ed. Or they used to when they had drivers ed.
I believe the officer was correct.
1. The woman got out of her vehicle and was told to get back in her van. She refused.
2. The officer then told her she was under arrest. At that time she got back in her van.
This is according to her own voice over on the
clip.
3. She then refused to get out of the van. And
was dragged out by her arm. And she tried to get
back in the van.
4. She refused to submit to the handcuffs and was
tassed. And then cuffed.
I agree if she had got back into the van when
first told. This would have been over. And she
in all probability had her charges dropped by the
judge.
So who's at fault.........
Hey guys i got to use my taser today! some lady was out of control and didn't jump at my commands so i tased the b**ch! Man that was cool!!
I was taught at an early age to respect LE. That has kept me out of few legal jams over my life. Yes sir, no sir, I was wrong sir (or not). Give a cop an attitude, expect some trouble. You may be 100% in the right, but he has control of what is about to happen. Shut your mouth and you might get by just fine.
My sense is that there is more to this story than we are hearing. If the women was belligerent, or even just a bit mouthy, the sheriff goes on defense mode, as he should. Perhaps she wasn't, and the officer is a loose cannon. I don't know, nor does anyone else who was not there.
One thing I am sure of, if you run your mouth, expect the worst. 99% of LE personal are very professional, they are there for us, and doing a difficult job. They do not need, or deserve, any crap from you. If you think you are wronged, take notes, and bring them to court. Trials on the side of the road are not a good thing for anyone. You will normally lose them.
For years I took pride in my interactions
with law enforcement. When ever stopped, I
was polite, and the officer was courteous.
That changed about a month ago. I was stopped
by an Onondaga County Sheriff Deputy, for an
apparent traffic violation. As the Deputy was
questioning me, I noticed how hostile he was.
He displayed the worst attitude I have ever
seen in a law enforcement officer. Needless
to say, I didn't leave that encounter with a
good opinion of the Onondaga County Sheriff's
Office. I haven't changed my opinion of law
enforcement agents. Most are dedicated
professionals who put their life on the line
everyday. Unfortunately, an incident like
Harmon's, or perhaps mine, can change your
perception.
Posted by uswunionman on 08/13/09 at 8:42PM
this is what is going to happen in court..he will say he tazed her basically because she got out of the car..and then the attorney will say "well you responded/solved that situation by telling her to get back in..which she did as clearly on video..why would you tell her to get back out seconds after you told her to get back in?"..the only one using threatening force is you mr Anderson as we can clearly see in the video of you tugging on the womens arm..then to top it off you hit her with the tazer"
You are wrong of your interpetation of the facts presented to you (ie., HER OWN ADMISSIONS). She only got back in her car once he told her she was under arrest. She assumed that getting back in the car, as previously asked to do numerous times, would save her from arrest. She realized at that point that she had crossed the line. Well it didn't work and getting in the car and refusing to get out is resisting that arrest. That's like running in your house when the police are chasing you and yelling, "just kidding, you can't get me in here"! Let's be serious. Both are to blame for poor decisions but her decisions were against the laws.
The OCSO are the ones that identified this losers behavior. BRAVO for policing their own! Sheriff Walsh himself said this guy was wrong and a liability to the department. Don't believe me? Call and ask him yourself...
Attorney- Mr. Andrews can you tell me when you felt threatened was it before or after you told he to get back in the vehicle.please not for reference the women obeyed Officer andrews order at that.
Officer Andrews - uhhh i just want to taze people.
Attorney - Ahh i see. so your saying that you felt threatened while she was sitting back in her vehicle?
Officer Andrews - Tazing is cool wanna try it?
Attorney - Officer Andrews you then go and tell the women to get back out of her vehicle because aapparantly you felt more threatened by her sitting in it..which was what you ordered by the way.
Officer Andrews - can i taze you?
Attorney - so it is safe to say the women obviously felt threatened herself..simply because hhere you are telling her to get in the vehicle..but then telling her to get back out. she is probably wondering.Why? ..she then resists bbecause it is clear you have a hidden intention which was to TAZE her..wasnt it officer andrews!!!??
Officer Andrews - hey judge/jury ...wanna get tazed?
Her judgement here is irrelevant, if she does'nt speak up in defense of herself, this cop could still be out there possibly doing something even worse and getting away with it. And by the way, being a school bus driver is NOT a bad thing. The relationship between kids, parents & drivers becomes like an extended family & is very rewarding. What positive effect do you have on the community?
13207
Who is this person and what is she teaching her children.
She's teaching her children to stand up for themselves in the face of a tyrannical government employee. She's teaching them not to be cowards. She's teaching them that the line is fine and in this case not there between police officers and criminals.
Police officers are not judge, jury and executioner. He should have checked her phone, determined she did nothing wrong and let her on her way. Instead he issued a ticket to be a jerk. Even sending someone to court is harrassment. Between getting an attorney and paying the fines they charge even when set free.
My view of what happened after watching the video without the commentary. She got out of the car acting tough, mouthing off. He told her to back up, and she needed to get back in the car. When she wouldn't, he said you are now under arrest. After he told her she was under arrest, at that point she wanted to get back in the car because her mouth wrote a check her but couddn't cash. He said no, you are now under arrest and need to get back out of the car. She was now going to be arrested and he told her to get out of the car because she was under arrest, but she wouldn't. He yanked her out, told her to get down, she wouldn't. He told her again to get down, she wouldn't, he tasered her. She didn't go down, so he tasered her again. Don't really think he should have tasered her, but seriously, you can't think she was so innocent saying please and thank you and cooperating with the officer after watching the video. At least I don't.
That said, I would take a full day of tazing to get the money she will probably get now.
OMG she was on the phone! going 5 mph over. what was this cop thinking? he should of started shooting this hard core criminal. emptied his clip into her car. shot the kids to for being kids of a hardened criminal mom. the cop should be in trouble for not shooting her in the face. she was a massive threat to all cops and the communtity by talking! next time just get the pump shotgun and blow her head off how dare her speed or even talk to you! LOL LOL hahahaa
hahhaahhahha
haahahhahh
ahhahahahahaahaha
aahahahahhhh
bmw325xi is an overpaid underworked pig too lol pig driving a bmw must be nice to have the easiest job around with highest pay and the right to break every law on your own time, like you dont speed in your beemer LOL
This is nothing that can't be rectified by a couple of beers at the Whitehouse.
are all these cops replying from their laptops in their crusiers that i pay for? cause you know non of them are doing SH*t bet their is more violence in the city tonight
Attorney- Mr. Andrews can you tell me when you felt threatened was it before or after you told her to get back in the vehicle.please for reference the women obeyed Officer andrews order at that.
Officer Andrews - uhhh i just want to taze people.
Attorney - Ahh i see. so your saying that you felt threatened while she was sitting back in her vehicle?
Officer Andrews - Tazing is cool wanna try it?
Attorney - Officer Andrews you then go and tell the women to get back out of her vehicle, because apparantly you felt more threatened by her sitting in it..which was what you ordered at first.
Officer Andrews - can i taze you?
Attorney - so it is safe to say the women obviously felt threatened herself..simply because hhere you are telling her to get in the vehicle..but then telling her to get back out. she is probably wondering.Why? ..she then resists bbecause it is clear you have a hidden intention which was to TAZE her..wasnt it officer andrews!!!??
Officer Andrews - hey judge/jury ...wanna get tazed?
ChairmanAl01,
Walther PPK's?
Can I keep my Gloch? I can't wait to get my black trench coat!!!
I would vote for Tasers in the NWO, ONLY if they produced 100,000 volts with amperage.
Ladies (forgot to mention previously)
Don't get out of the car if he instructs you not to do so; especially for a moving violation, or a cell phone ticket. It is easier not to argue, just pay the fine. Chances are you make more than he does anyway, and you can afford it.
You are not going to change the view of the "greatness-that-is-he-who-gets-to-pull-you-over" during one traffic stop.
Arguing will only escalate the situation.
Pay the fine and move on, argue with the judge in court, or get a lawyer.
Cus if you get out of the car, that motheref&^%^er might just tase you! Lmao. Did anyone else laugh when you watched her drop? Come on, it was kinda funny. You know she was mouthy, you could tell by her stance. Then "I AM THE LAW" tased her. LOL!
Redneck stuff right there.
Harmon goes to court - she will lose. You got out of the car (while the officers back was turned). You were told to get back in the car and you did not comply until AFTER the officer told you that you were under arrest. He told you to exit the car (you resisted , resisting arrest). How in the heck is this officer suppose to know what kind of mental state this woman is in? Did she kidnap those kids? Is she the babysitter and the police will find their parents murdered? Does she have a weapon? Did she take them from her estranged husband? Did she murder him? Is she on drugs and the welfare of the children is in question? How many dead cops does it take by the roadside before you people realize that they will protect themself first? You brought this all on yourself. You will go down in flames in court, BUT...your lawyers will appreciate the college funds from your kids that you will invest in this lawsuit.
This makes me sick! Regardless of how she was speaking, she obviously did not pose a threat to this man. I hope he feels like a big man now. Anyone and everyone that knows this man or even sees this man should ridicule him to no end (exactly the way they did when he was a big fat loser in high school!).
I was very dissappoint to read she is a Liverpool Bus driver. With the attitude she has toward law enforcement, I wonder how she treats the children on her bus.
She was demanding the cop to show her proof she was on the phone. That is not the time or place to request such demands. You get your ticket you go to court, you bring phone records to proof it.. but you dont get out of your car and demand the cop show you the tape...
Next when ordered to get back in the car you do so... you dont keep following the cop.
When ordered to get out of the car after not listening to wait in the car while they run your license... you should get out of the car... not have to have a cop pull you out when your where directed.. on told you were under arrest you dont get back into your car..
At this point his actions could be questioned... but at this point he also has realize he is dealing with someone that obviously doesnt obey the law or the person who is there to enforce it.. when she was disobeying what should he have done....???? pull a gun... hit her.. perhaps he should of just put her in handcuffs but, then again he already had to wrestle her to get her out of the car after he verbally directed her too and she didnt....both parties used poor judgement in their actions.. and the outcome could of been different if she would of just handed her license over...let him run his check...allow him to come back state the charges... ticket if he still felt a law was broken.. then gone to court to prove her innocents..
As a liverpool parent.. I for one do not want this person(obviously doesnt have respect for the laws and enforcers) driving my child around.. what type of respect are the students getting on the bus...when there is proof of lack of... you bet I would be driving my student to school every day..
Good luck to you Mrs. Harmon... I hope you get nothing out of this other than to learn the rules of the law as to what you are suppose to do when you are pulled over... First rule.. stay in your car unless otherwise directed.. next rule.. when directed to get out... do so... or else it is resisting arrest...if you look at the tape at 15:49:30 you can see where after he was trying to pull her out of the car she actually pulls her shoulders towards him in a defensive way.. she was at that point being aggressive... she also states that he not only once but twice asked her to get back into the car... at which point the only reason she got into the the car is because he stated she was under arrest at which time she state that he was not to do that in front of her kids... wow.. the more I watch and listen to this the worse she looks... she will be lucky to keep her job after this... but, after all I guess deep down inside she was probably worried about that all along... i mean if she was talking on the phone or speeding then she would get a ticket.. and driving a bus... I dont think that flies...
The part most of you "OBEY!" chanters aren't getting is that by having the courage to stand up for herself, there is one less turd with a badge on the road... we should all be thanking her.
watchdog3, you watch way too much tv. OCSO says this guy was totally in the wrong. Don't believe me? call and ask sheriff walsh yourself.
Mommie dearest was a great example to her children..she could have had her 15 year old son walk the other child the 500 yards home or better yet obayed the officers command and dealt with the tickets in court. Hope my kids are never on her Liverpool bus run. I would drive them before they would ride with that lunatic.
I have a couple for friends that are in law enforcement, i know enough about it to know you are a bag of d*cks. it takes a real big man to taze a mother and throw her on the ground.
and if that was my mother, you and i would have a problem, one that we would settle man to p*ssy in the street.
turn in your badge.
i bet your own mother is real proud of you.
I have a couple for friends that are in law enforcement, i know enough about it to know you are a bag of d*cks. it takes a real big man to taze a mother and throw her on the ground.
and if that was my mother, you and i would have a problem, one that we would settle man to p*ssy in the street.
turn in your badge.
i bet your own mother is real proud of you.
breaking news
President O'bama says the white woman was "stupid" this time. He says he is willing to sit down and have a beer with the 2 dummies... uh, citizens.
smashd,
Uh, sure, you can keep your Gloch... whatever that is. And no, black leather trench coats and fedoras are for the secret police only. In order to qualify, you must be a humorless cyborg who would delete your sweet grandmama on the orders of DerStaat without emotion. PS: I lied. The NWO has found tasers effective in extracting information from the "ain't seen nuffin" crowd.
Oh, you mean "Glock"... Pah! Trade that Austrian pea-shooter in for a real pistol. Something like a Colt SAA in 44 WCF. And none of that Italian crap! Pony up for the real thing! Made in USA!
Posted by smashd3601 on 08/13/09 at 8:20PM
So, you prefer anarchy? Let me guess you are a liberal lawyer with hundreds of thousands of dollars in student loans, trying to make a name for yourself?? Sorry, no victim here, just a law breaking, loud mouth with no respect for the law. Have you contacted her yet for legal counsel??
---
Smashd3601,
Was this directed towards me? If so, I don't really understand what you mean. I've made like half a dozen posts on here siding with the police officer.
Anthonyesq
I concur! Tase me! Tase me! Ha Ha. You know she's going to get paid, Sherriff's office will settle. They're dumb but not that dumb.
It's not like the 'hood where they'll cry civil rights and riot. Folks in the 'burbs will initialize the thought process and get lawyered up; inevitably getting the 'tard who tased them s- canned.
There's plenty of city cops who have done worse and still have a job, you can't do that kind of stuff to soccer moms in mini vans. Stupid.
Obviously none of us were at the scene when this incident occurred, but the officer himself admitted that she was not beligerant. Some of you people claim she was mouthy because of the way she was tanding? What? There were witnesses at the scene and they even stated that she wasn't 'mouthy' as you say. Whatever, it does not justify him using the taser. And Monstaface, did you ever think that perhaps the officer refused to let the kids walk home? And like I said before I would allow my kids to ride her bus anytime.
If I lived in the School District that she drove in I would be demanding her termination.
I don't care if the Cop is right, or if the Cop is wrong. This just shows her attitude towards a Police Office. And it really brings into question her ability to follow the rules of the road, especially when she is driving Children.
Maybe some of you who think she was not a threat should do a little research at the number of Police Officers who were shot in simple traffic stops like this. And don't think the shooters were all men, because they really were not.
It appears that the ONLY adult in this entire situation was the 15 year old.
About 1:15 into the video, the driver tries to get into her vehicle against Deputy Andrews' commands. If she had grabbed a gun or knife and come out with it, would all 677 of you people still be hating this cop??? This guy doesn't know what this lady is going to do and I am sure she was as cordial during the traffic stop as she is when she is narrating this video. Cops do a dangerous job with crazy people around all corners, judge slowley on this one.
'I was very dissappoint to read she is a Liverpool Bus driver. With the attitude she has toward law enforcement, I wonder how she treats the children on her bus.'
I hope she tells the little snot bags to sit down and shut up!
Does anyone really think that a Jury is going to give her a large settlement once they see that tape?
What they will say is she had it coming.
And to people like ugerbeikerpe. Give us all a warning when you want to stand up to the Police and act tough. I want to know what happens after they put three bullets in your chest. And when they do, you would certainly deserve it.
Right or Wrong, do what the Police say then file a complaint or fight it in court.
This is just another person who is trying to get rich quick. But this could easily backfire on her. Oh she will get her moment in the sun on the Today Show, and I bet there will be so many calls to her School District, she will be out of a job very soon.
This is why this guy isn't a rocket scientist, medical doctor, or anything with intelligence. They dumb down the exams so that they can get your entry level moron to pass the exam. This article is a perfect example of dumbing down society.
'Also, what does miranda rights have to do with this story?'
Um...a lot. If you are arrested, you have to be read the warning.
I know alot of good law enforcement people, they have good heads on thier shoulders and use good judgement, this individual, does not have these qualities. First of all, she is a mother with kids in the minivan, second she was no threat, everyone in this world is different and deserves to be treated as such. she was no bugular, bank robber, dwi, dui, or such, I intend to send this video to a national network and see what the national public thinks of this, instead of internal affairs. Hopefully, he will be fired and get some help soon, and that should be part of his firing to seek help, and community service, like MADD or something on the southside of syracuse.I feel sorry for her and her kids, and I know they have a lawsuit and the settlement will be hush-hush. And we will pay dearly mr Walsh... Hope the DA's office gets invovled soon, and not too late
isaidit500, "If she had grabbed a gun or knife and come out with it, would all 677 of you people still be hating this cop???"
Probably not, but she didn't. Had she, I'd have said that was the point where force was appropriate. But, again, she didn't, so what's your point? The cop should grow a pair and not let his delicate ego get the best of him. He's paid to enforce the law, not show the public who's boss if they get lippy.
wow must be shift change look at all the little piggies posting lol
didnt a sherrif just cause a big scene at carosel mall too a black sherrif? forgot what he did pushed real cops down or something? these are all outstanding citezens....ever think thye would steal evidence or take bribes? NOOOOOOOOO
Posted by LuvMyLL on 08/13/09 at 9:52PM
'Also, what does miranda rights have to do with this story?'
Um...a lot. If you are arrested, you have to be read the warning.
*************WRONG***********
Ka-Ching! The lady just hit the lottery after seeing this tape! Probably will settle out of court for a big pay-off. I`d also demand a public apology from this Nazi.
Hello lightless. My former supervisor thought HE WAS GOD too. Glad I don't have to deal with his ass anymore!
Seriously look at the tape.. 15:49:30 you see where she does get out of her car and shows aggression toward the officer at which time he reaches for his taser..
The first time he reached for it she resisted twice to get back into the car...she was walking back wards him when his back was turned.. you see where he instructs her to get into the car but, she still continues towards him.. do you honestly believe she thought he was going to show her a tape.. or prove he caught her.. from the get go she was being defiant.. everyone knows after you give your license to the cops they go back and run your info... that is what he was going to do when she got out of the car and demanded he show her the proof.. which is not what he was expected to do.. I didnt see him invite her to follow him to the car.. it was obvious he wanted her to stay in the car.. until the time she was resisting.. at which point... that warrented her to be arrested at which time ... she then again continued to resist and told him in her own words DONT DO this in front of my kids.. and got back into her car... you can see where there was time expiring that he was talking to her (probably telling her to get out of the car she was under arrest...) yet she did not.. he then reached into the car and pulled her out as she was not listening to his verbal request.. at which time as I stated in the tape at 15:49:30 which she pulls back and starts to move forward towards him in a threating way...... play the tape.. pause or slow it down at that point... tell me you dont see it...she was aggressive.. I hope she not only loses the lawsuit.. but her job as well... her actions are inappropriate.. totally... and she is driving our kids around... WOW
Greece NY (Rochester 'burb) PD wants you! We offer officer protection plans (shredding) for misconduct and down right lying and fabrication for hiring rouge cops. If there ever is the slim chance you get caught and convicted, there is a Greece PD cell block in the state prison system. Come on down, fringe benefits include sex with prior arrestees.
im sorry pogoaddict is way off base. r u related to the moron police officer....wow, i totally agree with fighting it later in court; however, what on earth did she do other than try to communicate with the fricken idiot. NOTHING she did deserves to be tazed in front of her children-especially in front of her children. Did anyone give that officer a DRUG test- he must have been doing some serious hallucigens to think that woman was serioulsy going to harm him. I hope she gets his ass off the force, I DRIVE THROUGH that county wtf....what if she had a heart condition or underlying health concern- he could have killed her IN FRONT OF HER KIDS. wow ...absolutely nauseating!
So you have chosen police officer as a career, have 4-yrs experience, and your car is wired with a camera. You pull someone over for an infraction. You then make a point of parking further out when pulling up behind mom to make sure the camera does not miss anything. You do as you are trained to do in assuming ANY stop can place your life at risk. Then you taze innocent mom for no reason, fully knowing the camera is capturing it all and if it should miss a frame the witnesses can fill in the blanks. Sorry, without mom provoking this situation gone bad I'm having a real problem seeing what motive the officer has in doing this.
I'd say what took 8 months is mom's lawyer getting access to the clip, making sure there was no audio of what mom was barking out, and the OCSO taking their time in deciding not to accept their settlement offer.
Okay, first I want to say - Innocent until proven guilty. Secondly, we have only heard one side of the story. There are always two sides to a story.
I have actually had the privilege to meet Officer Andrews and he is the nicest person I have ever met and wouldn't hurt anyone. I can say without reservation that if she was tasered and arrested she deserved it. Officer Andrews puts his life on the line everyday and this is what he gets for his efforts. I think before anyone jumps to conclusions we should hear the Officer's side of the story not a bias version of what happend with many important details left out. There are many facts of this case that were not reported. Shame on the Post Standard!
To LuvMyLL: As a co-worker, I could present NUMEROUS kids, parents, teachers & coworkers who would stand testimony to Audra's professionalism and devotion to her job. Your disappointment is unfounded and it is disappointing to see people drawing their own conclusions. If you feel she had an "attitude" could you allow for the possibility the this was instigated by this particular officer's unprofessional behavior? Please,use some common sense!
The cops have to be careful these days, no doubt about it, this was not one of those days. If the lady in the car was Black, Asian, purple or pink it would not matter as she got back in the car, that should have been the end of it. This guy is a complete idiot. His punishment before being fired should be to be on foot patrol on the North Side for like 6 months, no firearm, just his tazer. Lets see how tough he is fighting real crime.
eao1115,
No, that wasnt directed to you. It was to Ghostwheel. I saw your comments regarding the Police and I support them as well. My apologies for the misunderstanding.
i think all you people who just assume the cop should be punished and that the woman deserves big bucks are all idiots!!!!! you don't know exactly what happened, your basis is on the testimony of the woman....we don't know the whole story, she should not have gotten out of the vehicle in the first place....being a police officer is a VERY dangerous profession, just because she is a 5 foot tall woman doesn't mean she couldn't have a gun or a knife, anything is possible and you have to be on your toes at all times expecting the unexpected...does anyone remember all the police officer shootings within the last couple years? Ralph Bucky Philips? the police officer in Utica? Just because she is a woman doesn't mean anything...you have to remember that anything is possible! That video does not prove that the officer acted irrationally because we don't have the sound clip and we only have one side of the story, the woman in this case....doesn't matter if she was innocent in the first case, that's why you go to court!!!! to prove your innocence!!!! bottom line, getting out of her car was her own fault that lead to what happened!!!!!!!!!
RNG88
You gotta be kidding me! What do you do, look at everything from the standpoint of conservative Vs Liberal? How does the new scoreboard reflect the neoconservative views of the Bush administration vis a vis their role in starting a ridiculous and costly war? You must not be wearing any boxers because I can see you're nuts.
He should have been more worried about the real threats to our community not some mini van driving soccer mom!
one day those 2 kids will need help.........and the last people they will trust is the police.......shame on that officer.....i hope this woman gets justice.......and hopefully this does not scar her kids for life.......smh then the police wonder why the younger generation dont trust them.....how is the sheriff dept gonna talk their way outta this one........THEY ARE NOT THANK HEAVENS FOR THE VIDEO!!
"Posted by soitsays on 08/13/09 at 2:14PM
hey testyou, "Oh look, another person that doesn't even know what they are talking about. What a big surprise". You go to court, you plead not guilty, you get a trial date and the present your case. You have the right to a trial and do not need a lawyer. "Get a clue please and stop talking about things which you have no idea about"! (does this post sound familiar?"
Wow, congrats...except the orignal poster acted like you were at a trial for the original appearance. Also, you can believe that you don't need a lawyer if you wish, but depending on the charge, like an AUO, the Judges around here require it. Again, the cop is paid to be in court so have your trial, and good luck presenting your "evidence". The ADA will surely enjoy you waisting his/her time over a ticket..so will the judge...good luck pal.
Sethndoc,
Thanks for letting us know you're a doctor...over and over again....wow, good for you. That is, unless you're lying..which you probably are. Since when is a traffic stop considered abuse? Audra is the one who escalated this situation, if she just stayed in her vehicle none of this would have happened. It's not standing up for yourself, it's just plain stupidity. Idiot.
JoeCNY,
No, I don't hate women just the ones who think they are above everyone else and think they should have whatever they demand. Like an earlier post said, cops dont have the ability to rewind the tapes in their cars..and if he did what should he do, let little Mrs. Audra sit in the passenger seat next to him like they're buddies? Come one, lets be a tiny bit intelligent.
Copslie,
your name says it all, been in cuffs a time or two? Now you're all upset because you didn't win your lawsuit? You poor thing, maybe you can drive bus with Audra and be best buddies with her.
To the cop haters:
If you hate police so much then why call 911? Why call the people you hate so much to come to your rescue and to answer your calls for help? And the thing is, even tho you cop haters out there say the things you say, the cops will still come to your rescue, still answer your calls for help because that is what they do.
That's $49,095 too much for this jerk, and it can go to someone who is responsible enough to have earned it. Fire him.
I am sick of people trying to do whatever they want and having an excuse for everything. People need to start taking responsiblity for their actions. The police are here to protect us and nobody respects that anymore. Its a joke these days and I am not sure why anyone would want to be a police officer anymore. I am happy that nothing bad happened and this guy is able to go home and see his family.
She got off easy, Dude should have busted a couple of caps into her ample ....
Can't we all just get along and have beer at the White House.
Look people it happens every day in america. Look at the Johnny Gamage thing with the Nfl star family member. he died in PA. for the cops actions. or lets go way back to Rodney King. look what happen to him. all i have to say is Hire a Good out of state Lawyer. and get whats coming to you a couple Million of dollars may work for that lady
In my opinion the policeman shows poor judgment. He should be disciplined, but not fired.
colorblinded--NOBODY HAS EVER BEEN FATALLY INJURED BY A TAZER. THEY HAVE ONLY DIED AS A RESULT OF UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT THEY PROBABLY DID NOT EVEN KNOW EXISTED!!! GET IT RIGHT!
ljnick--IT'S OBVIOUS YOU HAVEN'T BEEN A POLICE OFFICER IN OVER 20 YEARS. BACK THEN PEOPLE HAD A GENUINE RESPECT FOR THE POLICE AND AUTHORITY IN GENERAL. THAT HAS ONLY DISSIPATED OVER TIME AND YOU WOULD NOT RECOGNIZE THE JOB NOW.
YOU WOULD HAVE NO IDEA HOW TO PERFORM THE JOB, GIVEN THE ATMOSPHERE YOU WOULD HAVE TO WORK IN. AND THE GENERAL LACK OF RESPECT IS FOR ALL PEOPLE, NOT JUST POLICE AND AUTHORITY FIGURES. WE CAN THANK PARENTS OF YOUR GENERATION FOR THE DEMISE OF SOCIETY IN GENERAL.
what a jacka$$ guess this is what one would expect from a sheriff. The sheriffs are the ones who can't make it as a state trooper. A bunch of egomaniacs. This sheriff needs diciplinary actaken against him or kicked off the force, whichever fits best..
I think the officer told the lady to get back into the van for safety reasons with oncoming traffic and I believe they are trained to do that for good reason. The lady didn't get back in right away and instead chose to argue with the officer. Stupid of her IMHO. The officer however completely overreacts, pulls her out of the vehicle, then tazes her repeatedly. Even though I think the woman handled the situation poorly on her end, the officer took this situation too far. This woman did not need to be tazed, period. He should have known better and was too agressive.
The tazing needs to stop now. Cops are acting like we are the enemy when we are not. At least not yet. Keep up the tazing though and being a cop really will be a dangerous job instead of the barely get a chance to be killed job it is now. These criminals should get jail time for tazing, not be reassigned, fired, or whatever slap on the wrist happens most of the time. Public servants should be held to a higher standard, not prove they are the scum that needs to be cleaned off the streets. Taze my mother and I'd make sure you didn't live through the night. I think if more citizens had that attitude we'd see a change in how these criminals flaunt their little gangster badge status. And people wonder why I hate pigs.
seannchai,
if you scrolled down this far, the person who accused you of using SAT words apparently just meant that you spelled all the words correctly! also that "brook no contention" phrase.
awesome number of comments on this story, why did it touch so many nerves?
two points few mentioned: lawsuit won against Onon County comes out of your tax dollars, and deputy with 4 years has union contract & civil service law keeping him employed.
Amazing this clown still has a job. This one is gonna cost the taxpayers a bundle!!
this is now life in new york state in 2009. all police officers are now money collectors for a broke state. once upon a time the police kept us reasonably safe from real criminals. now because of the need for cash we are all criminals. drive 50 in a 45 your a police meal ticket, dont buckle your seatbelt your a driving state atm, talk or look like your talking on a phone your a dangerous menace that must be stopped! this officer was the kid who got picked on in school, now were all going to pay! we have real hard working people losing thier homes and this clown makes 50,000 a year. i guess if he didnt have his taser he would have had to shoot her! if you can read he had to pull her back out of the van after he told her to get back in! i guess he didnt say simon says. like they say, love it or leave it. must be this is one of the many reasons new york state loses 1000's of people weekly. it is what it is.
I have a big problem with this article and video clip in that it only gives Harmon's side of the story and you don't have the Deputy's side, especially since the video coincidentally doesn't have any sound other than her narrating. As far as the DA dropping the charges, this is not surprising. DA's are politicians as well, and will drop anything that is a hot potato to them, ie., the Professor Gates case.
Some things to consider on this incident"
1. By her own statements and observing her body language on the video, she was obviously an a$$ to the Deputy and was probably argumentative and disrespectful. Granted, the Deputy may have been/probably was an a$$ back, but her attitude changed his attitude and approach before her. Remember, he's human too, and it's a natural reaction to become hostile towards hostility.
2. Never, ever get out of a car if a cop has you pulled over unless the cop tells you to. Traffic stops are the most dangerous thing a cop does for many reasons- they don't know who they've stopped and what they may have just done, they don't know what's in the vehicle, and they have to be aware of other traffic. Also, anybody can kill- soccer moms too. Remember that it was an 80 year old nut job that attacked the Holocaust Musueam. Add that to an already hostile exchange with the driver, and the incident has just escalated even more.
3. She clearly says that he told her that she was under arrest and that she didn't comply. She then clearly resisted arrest, which legally justifies the use of the tazor. Tazors can be used for compliance, not just on violent persons. I know that tazors are very painful and look brutal, however there is no permanent injury from them. Based on their sizes, his only other options to deal with her disobediance is to pepper spray her or go hands on. The effects of pepper spray are very painful and it lasts up to an hour vs. 5 seconds on the tazor. If he went hands on and a struggle did ensue, he could have really hurt her.
If you haven't figured it out, I am a cop too. In my opinion, she definitely made a mountain out of a mole hill. Even if she wanted to remain an a$$, she should have dared him to write her the tickets, and then laughed him out of court. If should could use her phone records to prove she wasn't on the phone then good, and I know I'd never write anyone for doing 50 in a 45. My judges in VA, would chew my a$$ if I did that. She should have just let the legal system work for her. Instead, she justified for him the obstruction charge. I still can't believe the 50 in a 45 charge.
In my conclusion, this Deputy overreacted to the situation (with no help from her), and doesn't deserve to be fired, unless this is a pattern. But overreacting when someone gets under your skin once, doesn't make him a bad cop. It does if he has a pattern of doing this. He definitely needs some conflict resolution retraining, and maybe a reassignment for awhile.
The bottom line is this, cut him a whee-bit of slack, and remember that there is no victim or innocent party in this incident. He deserves some form of discipline from the OCSD, and she doesn't deserve a dime.
Thats totaly wrong of you to write that fergs, that lady will get Millions I bet
Watch the video without sound before you pass judgement. It's impossible to judge the video fairly with a voice over telling only one side of the story.
The officer is calm at the start of the video. He starts walking back to his car, and the door comes open, the officer turns and clearly is telling her to stay in the vehicle. The lady obviously ignores him, and continues to exit the vehicle. People- this is just ASKING for trouble. Any officer, anywhere in the world, dealing with ANYONE would have to be on high alert at that point, because he has no idea what her intentions are, why she's disobeying his commands, or even what she has with her (like a gun or other weapon.)
When the woman is all the way out of the vehicle, she reaches back inside the vehicle, and stands so the office can't see what she may have in her other hand- again, ASKING FOR TROUBLE! Only a very stupid or pigheaded person would do this with a law officer!
You can see the officer back away, possibly call for backup or something, then again issue orders, which she continues to defy, all the while standing where the officer can't tell what her intentions are, and if she may have a weapon she can reach for. If people are too dumb to understand that all the time police officers get killed by people acting in similar fashion, then tough. He isn't going to have a crystal ball, he simply doesn't know- and she's made herself a threat by failing to respond to his commands.
He walks to her, and is calm. It's hard to tell what words are really exchanged, but she's still standing in a stance by the door, not re-entering the vehicle, and not responding to whatever he's telling her. The officer pulls the taser. He doesn't tase her immediately- he aims it at her, but still remains calm.
She finally gets back in the car. The officer returns to calmness, and seems to put the taser away.
Here it's unclear what is said or done inside the car that makes the officer react, but it seems that she pulls out something, and the officer trys to grab it away from her. In fact, it seems he does take something from her grip.
It's hard to tell, but it looks like he and she are grapling over an object, not that he's just pulling her out of the car. Again, we'd have to know BOTH SIDES of the story to know exactly what this exchange was about. But it's clear, if he just wanted to tase her for the sheer heck of it, he had plenty of time to do so before this point.
Once out of the car, it again appears that she's not responding to orders, this time, according to her, that she's under arrest. If you're being arrested, you don't just turn your back and get back into a vehicle, again, to perhaps pull a weapon the cop may not know about. At this point, if he's telling her she's under arrest, then she's resisting arrest, and he tazes her.
I don't know all the situations in which a cop can taze someone, and there may have been plenty of ways he could have difused the situation another way, but people really seem to be judging this situation unfairly.
The lady brings the negative attention of the officer on herself from the start. She clearly isn't obeying his instructions. He doesn't just go up the car and taze her- she sets this off on the wrong path the second she opens that door and refuses to close it again, and steps out.
It's impossible to overlook those facts. The officer may have been wrong to taze her if that was against whatever procedure, but from the instant she opened that door, and then continued to defy commands, she gave him NO CHOICE but to view her as being possibly hostile, and deal with her accordingly. People who can't admit that simply aren't allowing themselves to judge the situation fairly.
Also, without knowing the officer's side of the story, and exactly what went on, what she was saying to him, what exact orders she failed to comply with -thus escalating the situation farther and farther- you simply can't place ALL the blame on the officer.
Bottom line, it's really, really, really stupid to act like she did during a traffic stop. If she could prove she wasn't on her phone, then she should have done so at the appropriate time, not by being a dumbass with a cop. Are people really this dense that they can't understand simple things like this?
She deserved it instead of staying put in the vehicle she decided to step out and make a spectical. She could have contested the ticket in court with an attorney, instead she clearly failed to follow directions from the officer and resisted him which it clearly shows in the video, i believe the tazer was nessesary to gain control of the situation if she had just stayed put in the vehicle the situation would not need to go that far, if i were the officer i would have tazed her too.
The deputy should have given her a breathalyzer test when he first observed her bizarre behaviour
This woman who wrestles a school bus is no petite elderly female. She is capable of inflicting damage on the officer. Following a cop and demanding he "show me your evidence" is indicative of sub normal behaviour which could be induced by drugs or alcohol.
I wonder if this is another "teachable" moment and will attract the attention of the teleprompter?
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