Posted on 05/04/2006 1:54:08 PM PDT by The Old Hoosier
Thursday, May 4; 4:16 pm
By John McArdle,
Roll Call Staff
Police labor union officials asked acting Chief Christopher McGaffin this afternoon to allow a Capitol Police officer to complete his investigation into an early-morning car crash involving Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.).
According to a letter sent by Officer Greg Baird, acting chairman of the USCP FOP, the wreck took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. Thursday when Kennedy’s car, operating with its running lights turned off, narrowly missed colliding with a Capitol Police cruiser and smashed into a security barricade at First and C streets Southeast.
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“The driver exited the vehicle and he was observed to be staggering,” Baird’s letter states. Officers approached the driver, who “declared to them he was a Congressman and was late to a vote. The House had adjourned nearly three hours before this incident. It was Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy from Rhode Island.”
Baird wrote that Capitol Police Patrol Division units, who are trained in driving under the influence cases, were not allowed to perform basic field sobriety tests on the Congressman. Instead, two sergeants, who also responded to the accident, proceeded to confer with the Capitol Police watch commander on duty and then “ordered all of the Patrol Division Units to leave the scene and that they were taking over.”
Baird said he had been advised that after the officers departed, Capitol Police “House Division officials” gave Kennedy a ride home.
Kennedy’s office did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
“If the events unfolded as they have been reported to me, and I believe they did, a complete and immediate investigation into them is required,” Baird wrote to McGaffin. Baird asked the acting chief why officers on the scene were prevented from completing the appropriate investigation “into violations of law they witnessed. This appears to be interference with their duties as U.S. Capitol Police Officers and may have prevented the collection of evidence of such violations."
“My members were attempting to carry out their duties with the professionalism and objectivity their oaths require. They should have been assisted in those duties by every level of supervision and command. Instead these circumstances call the integrity of our organization into question by creating the appearance of special favor for someone who is perceived to be privileged and powerful,” Baird wrote.
While a Capitol Police spokeswoman could not be reached for comment, Baird said in an interview this afternoon that McGaffin had contacted him about his letter.
“I want the public and those who we protect to know that we are fair and impartial when it comes to enforcing the laws on capitol grounds and the officers are doing their jobs in accordance to the laws and D.C. code and U.S. code,” he said.” That’s really why we want this addressed.”
From the news article:
There are no reports of injuries. Sources say Kennedy told officers he was late for a vote. We are told police drove him home, after conferring with higher ups in the department. So far, Kennedy HAS NOT been charged. A spokesman for his office told CNN that alcohol was NOT involved.
Here's a twist- apparently our Congress works SO hard they take votes at THREE O'CLOCK IN THE MORNING.
How did I miss this story?.........
"Patrick Kennedy Injured By Flying Hammer"
http://cbs4boston.com/topstories/local_story_103092242.html
ANOTHER DRUNK KENNEDY. Well, at least no one that we are aware of drown. Those Kennedy's all seem to battle the booze don't they? Where was the Whale? In the trunk?
First Cynthia McKinney, and now Patrick Kennedy.
I think the GOP House members should run on a campaign slogan of "Help protect our Capitol Police - Vote Republican!"
Kennedy Drives Car - No One Injured!
LOL
Holy trust funds, Batman, what else is hereditary?
You'd think a Kennedy could afford a designated driver.
A drunk driving Kennedy - now there's a surprise. I guess the Capitol Police should just be happy that he wasn't driving with a campaign worker over the Key Bridge.
He's Teddy's son, not his nephew.
Only issued to Democrats.
Why would a thread posted at 4:51 be locked infavor of one posted at 4:54?
Didn't he run into somebody in a drugstore parking lot just the other day?
Ping aling; just something I thought you'd get a kick out of reading.
They say Patrick Kennedy drinks like he's got a hollow leg.
... the wreck took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. Thursday when Kennedy’s car, operating with its running lights turned off, narrowly missed colliding with a Capitol Police cruiser and smashed into a security barricade at First and C streets Southeast...
...the driver, who “declared to them he was a Congressman and was late to a vote. The House had adjourned nearly three hours before this incident.
... were not allowed to perform basic field sobriety tests on the Congressman. Instead, two sergeants, who also responded to the accident, proceeded to confer with the Capitol Police watch commander on duty and then “ordered all of the Patrol Division Units to leave the scene and that they were taking over.”
I can hardly wait...
This is going to be all over the network news tonight!
Tape at 11...
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