So, as Tim mentioned in Leading Off, Dallas City Councilwoman Carolyn Davis got involved in a constituent’s traffic stop recently, and now the Dallas police are investigating the matter.
But, as I mentioned, I have questions.
For one, last I checked, running a stop sign is a simple traffic citation. I could see if he had been accused of engaging in reckless driving, or excessive speeding, where maybe if she’d witnessed something, she’d want to keep an eye on it. But it’s a traffic stop. If the constituent/old family friend wanted to contest it, there’s already an option for that – it’s even printed on the back of the ticket. I’ve gotten pulled over, before, but never has Steve Salazar come swooping in to demand an explanation in my behalf. So why?
And then she says she took pictures. But I can’t make head nor tail of what these are supposed to be pictures of, and how they prove this guy didn’t run a stop sign. So again, why?
And the officer has a dashcam. It probably recorded the stop. So again, why? And furthermore, was she also following the truck in question and the officer? How does she know he didn’t run two stop signs, as the officer alleges?
Listen, I’m all for council people paying attention to what’s going on in their districts and watching out for their constituents. But is this that?
6 comments
Think it was the subsequent search of the guy’s car she originally objected to, though “proof” he didn’t run the stop sign seems a stretch.
Councilperson Davis can certainly give “Pastor” Broden a run for his money in the crazy-person parade.
I’m sure she will bring this up in council and go on an hour long, rambling, what-the-hell-did-she-say diatribe that will make absolutely no sense at all.
Correct me if I’m wrong. In the video I saw the stop sign-runner was cuffed and police were searching his vehicle. Is this standard on routine traffic stops?
Bill – Circumstances dictate how police handle vehicle searches. In this case, the registered owner of the vehicle and the driver (two separate individuals) both had extensive criminal records per DMN. Therefore, it would be completely reasonable for the officer to restrain the driver for safety reasons while conducting the search.
I have seen Ms. Davis in action at council meetings. Simply put – she is not smart.
So having a criminal record is probable cause for a search?