Posted on 02/20/2009 5:09:53 AM PST by marktwain
FORT WORTH — A 23-year-old bicyclist rode right into trouble this week after making an apparent smart-aleck remark. According to a report, a police officer had detained five people on a curb after a traffic stop in the 3900 block of White Settlement Road when the cyclist rode by them about 11:45 p.m. Tuesday. "Did y’all read them their rights first?" the cyclist said loudly as he pedaled past. The remark drew the attention of the officer, who called for the cyclist to stop. "You don’t have a headlight on that bike," the officer said, according to the report. Riding a bicycle without a headlight at night violates the Texas Transportation Code, the report states. Things continued downhill when the cyclist ignored the officer and kept pedaling, prompting another officer to turn on his patrol car’s lights and chase the cyclist, the report states. Soon, another officer joined the pursuit. The cyclist looked back at the pursuing officer, pedaled faster, hopped a curb, and rode through several driveways and yards. He stopped in the 3900 block of Monticello Drive, took off his backpack, threw his bike down and asked officers, "Why are y’all stopping me?" The man was arrested on suspicion of evading arrest/detention. But his troubles weren’t over. According to the report, officers spotted the handle of a Glock pistol protruding from a mesh pocket on the man’s backpack. According to the report, the man has a concealed-handgun license. But because the gun was not concealed, he was also arrested on suspicion of unlawfully carrying a weapon by a license holder. He was charged with both misdemeanors Thursday, court records show.
(Excerpt) Read more at star-telegram.com ...
I suggest that if he had merely rode by on his bike and had not said anything, he would not have been pursued. I seriously doubt that they could see the pistol in the backpack.
The police know that there will be tremendous punishment in simply trying to respond to the charges. This gives them enormous power to abuse those who show "attitude".
LEO’s such as this are scum, and only serve to make law-abiding citizens not trust them.
Absolutely no excuse for this.
I know that in Texas, you can’t ride a bicycle after sundown, without a headlight.
I am surprised someone has not complained about the name of that section of Fort Worth: White Settlement. Seems to me the Zero should be on that quick or perhaps his race sensitive AG will drop in for a quick chat about it.
“But his troubles weren’t over.
According to the report, officers spotted the handle of a Glock pistol protruding from a mesh pocket on the man’s backpack. According to the report, the man has a concealed-handgun license. But because the gun was not concealed, he was also arrested on suspicion of unlawfully carrying a weapon by a license holder. “
Now THIS is really a crock of crap.
.....Bob
"You don’t have a headlight on that bike," the officer said, according to the report. Riding a bicycle without a headlight at night violates the Texas Transportation Code.
Why didnt this idiot just keep his mouth shut and ride on. He had to smart off, couldnt stand it unless he got a word in, and then got mad when the cops had something to say as well. He got what he deserved, in spite of well known anti cop bias with posters here at Free Republic.
“He got what he deserved”
Really?
What did he do which was so bad? Especially to be chased down?
I’ll be waiting for your answer.
“”You don’t have a headlight on that bike,” the officer said, according to the report. Riding a bicycle without a headlight at night violates the Texas Transportation Code.
“
I suspect these officers should be aerresting millions of Texans who ride after dark. Very few people use lights on their bike.
“I know that in Texas, you can’t ride a bicycle after sundown, without a headlight.”
Here in PA, you can’t drive over 65.
Guess how many people do this every day?
I guess that shows that you can’t kid around with a cop.
This is all about the attitude of the cyclist.
There’s also a subtext: So many laws, make it possible to find some opportunistic reason to arrest ANYone at ANYtime.
But you are unlikely to get subjected to scrutiny if you are not an a-hole.
Rule #1 - The Police are always right.
Rule #2 - See Rule #1.
Rule #1 - The Police are always right.
Rule #2 - See Rule #1.
Wow! Those are the same rules in North Korea!
If the police report can be trusted, a condition that is becoming harder and harder to achieve, then the bicyclist was asking for it.
Taunting those who can do anything they want to you with little risk to themselves is especially stupid when you’re alone and don’t have a video camera making accurate record of the encounter.
He should count himself lucky all he faces is misdemeanor “pissing off a badge” and that he wasn’t bumped by a cruiser while “attempting to flee pursuit” and ending up with half of his skin peeled off on the pavement before taking a knee repeatedly to C1 through C7.
Or if you are willing to stand out politically, like having an “Abort Obama” sticker.
I know.
The fact is, there are so many rules in the books that any cop can arrest anyone and find a suitable reason later on. No one can be expected to follow *all* of the rules, all of the time.
Riding a bicycle at night without a headlight.
Good way to become a hood ornament.
A friend of mine told me a story where he was stopped at a national park for a seat belt violation. The ranger was very angry, verbally badgered him with his had fidgeting on his gun. When my friend thought he was done and could go he drove off. The rear view mirror came in contact with this wanna-be-cop’s hand and the poor guy was cited for disorderly conduct. My friend has a very meek personality and is not the disorderly conduct type. He tried with park officials to get this straightened out and the park superintendent would not even return calls.
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