Posted on 08/12/2010 4:11:26 PM PDT by KeyLargo
Speeding motorcyclist taunts state trooper trapped in crashed car
A state trooper rolled his car multiple times while chasing two reckless motorcyclists, one of whom returned to taunt the injured trooper trooper, officials said.
The incident happened on the northbound ramp from Interstate 5 to State Route 599 at approximately 6:45 p.m. Tuesday.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Cliff Pratt said the trooper was chasing a group of at least nine members of a south King County motorcycle group who were speeding dangerously and getting too close to cars. As the trooper tried to close in on the fastest biker, he told Pratt that two other bikers cut him off.
"Had he not slowed down and slammed on the brakes, he would have hit them," Pratt said. "At his speed that made him lose control."
The trooper's vehicle rolled several times, finally landing in a ditch alongside the ramp.
"It's infuriating when all we're trying to do is enforce the laws in the state of Washington and protect the public, said Pratt. "Obviously these motorcycles traveling at 100 miles per hour with no regard for the safety of anybody else is a huge problem for us in this area."
As he waited for help to arrive, one of the motorcyclists he'd been chasing returned to the scene, Pratt said. The motorcyclist parked across the street, approached the mangled patrol car on foot, then laughed and clapped at the injured and bleeding trooper before speeding off.
"Now you're talking about a state trooper who rolled his car several times. He's obviously injured, pinned inside his vehicles and you've got a couple of motorcyclists who really don't care whether this trooper lives or dies at this point, to the point where they think it's funny," Pratt said.
Investigators believe they have the motorcyclists' registration information, Pratt said, and they are searching for the two people. No description was available.
Passersby stopped to help and call 911, and the trooper was pulled out of his car by emergency crews and taken to Harborview Medical Center where he was treated for serious injuries, including a head injury. He was released early Wednesday morning.
He was identified as 46-year-old Brian Salyer of Spanaway. He is a 22-year veteran of the force.
Couple years ago I was nearing Daytona on I-4 going about 75 or so in my GTO.
Suddenly a group of about 5 or so crotch rockets passed me. They had to have been doing at least 100mph as they passed me like I was standing still.
They were all doing wheelies.
oy.
So I guess the next time one of these selfish, childish, potential murderers goes speeding by me atop the line, it’s ok to bump him a little and then go back and laugh as he lays dying?
Squids. 10 to 20 ought to do it. Then the officer can visit them in prison and clap and laugh.
They will be caught because they will brag about it, guaranteed.
ML/NJ
“As the trooper tried to close in on the fastest biker, he told Pratt that two other bikers cut him off.”
I wonder if they’ll be charged with attempted murder? I know many states have laws that charge speeders/fleeing perps for homicide if the officer is killed as a result of the pursuit.
Also, I suspect the guy who came back to taunt the wounded officer might end up accidentally slipping on the back steps to the county jail. Several times.
always the crotch rockets.
Brag? The jackasses probably filmed it and are uploading it to YouTube as we type. Like that other asshole who filmed himself speeding, passing on a double yellow, clipping another biker and killing him.
The first rule of responding to any call. “Get there in one piece or you aren’t doing anyone any good.” The rule applies to chases as well. After 22 years you are supposed to know how to control your adrenalin rush and know when you aren’t going to win. On the other hand, we do start out as humans and even the best plans can come back to haunt you. I wish him a speedy recovery.
I used to live alongside I-26 just outside Columbia, SC. Every night, multiple times, I’d hear groups of sport bikes go screaming up the road and they had to be doing way over 100 by the sound of it.
Oh, and South Carolina has no helmet law. I rarely saw any crotch rocket riders wearing any. Donorcycles.
}:-)4
I’m gonna bet that Karma may just be a bitch in this case.
What I don’t get, police have dash cameras and radios, I see no need for these chases. It is dangerous to the chasers, the chasees, and bystanders. I would outlaw motorcycle chases and have the cops pick them up later.
That’s what Glocks are for.
|
Frankly, I’m tempted to shoot the dumb f****** who ride their bikes so recklessly on busy freeways.
Who says they were taunting the officer? I know these kinds of kids. They thrive on adrenaline and wear their scars like badges. They brag about close calls and broken bones. Maybe they really were applauding the officer out of respect.
BTW, a speeding motorcycle can’t hurt anyone inside a car. They are (mostly) only a danger to themselves.
So what happens if the cop does not pursue, the racers continue to race, and then kill an innocent?
You know damn well the survivors of the victim will sue because the cop did not stop the speeder.
I understand what you’re saying. But I don’t think we just let these potential murderers “do their thing” and then knock on their door a few hours later.
There are so many falsehoods in your post, I don’t know which one to disprove first.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.