Physique digital camera footage captures a conflict between a Nashville police officer and a plainclothes Tennessee Freeway Patrol trooper who was pulled over whereas escorting a outstanding politician.
The trooper was escorting state Home Speaker Cameron Sexton in a black SUV in October when an unmarked Metro Nashville Police Division officer tried to cease the automobile for allegedly touring 85 mph in a 55 mph zone.
Video reveals the SUV activating its blue emergency lights to sign it was a part of a safety element, however the MNPD officer drove alongside the element and yelled for the automobile to tug over.
Moments later, Sexton’s element pulled to the aspect of the highway, and the trooper exited the SUV and approached the officer to determine himself.
“Recover from right here,” the MNPD officer shouted by way of the noise of the busy freeway.
“I’m Freeway Patrol!” the trooper replied, earlier than being pushed away by the officer.
“I don’t care who you might be!” the officer snapped again.
“Get your freakin’ palms off me,” the trooper shouted.
“Should you contact me once more, I’m going to lock you up, my buddy,” the officer threatened.
The trooper then confirmed his badge and defined that he was escorting Sexton.
“I’ve obtained the Tennessee Home Speaker within the automotive, and we’re transferring,” the trooper stated.
“No, you’re not. Let me see your ID,” the officer replied.
Moments later, tensions flared once more because the trooper stepped out of the SUV and was shoved by the officer.
“Should you’re going to run 85 mph in a 55 mph zone, it’s essential yield to police,” the officer stated. “I don’t care who you assume you might be.”
“I’m the police!” the trooper replied.
“Properly, the police are attempting to cease you since you’re breaking the legislation,” the officer shot again. “What’s your drawback, dude?”
The trooper stated he had activated his blue lights and supplied the officer along with his badge quantity.
“I’ve obtained enterprise to maintain. We’ve obtained locations to go,” he added.
“We’re going to see about that, my buddy,” the officer stated, earlier than the 2 parted methods.
Following the encounter, Sexton’s chief of employees, Kevin Johnson, filed a Citizen Criticism Report, WKRN reported.
A spokesperson for Sexton later stated the MNPD officer’s actions have been “overzealous” and “jeopardized the security of Speaker Sexton and THP.”
“There was no violation of site visitors legal guidelines by the THP officer pursuant to state legislation. In at this time’s local weather of political violence, the job of govt safety is harder than ever,” Sexton’s workplace stated in an announcement to WKRN.
The assertion added that the trooper repeatedly recognized himself and tried to indicate his badge however was bodily confronted twice, whereas remaining restrained all through the encounter.
Nonetheless, an inside Metro Police investigation cleared the officer, concluding his actions have been cheap and in keeping with division coverage.
The Tennessee Freeway Patrol later stated it “maintains a collaborative working relationship with the Metropolitan Nashville Police Division constructed on mutual respect and shared professionalism, and we’re pleased with the work our businesses accomplish collectively to maintain Tennesseans protected.”
