Its Gone!!! hit by a DUI

[mvpco]

I got the Dash Cam Video, I am trying to figure out how to upload it as a file.

[5150]

Can't wait to see this

[mvpco]

Here is the Dash Cam Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkpltWW5Wfo

[Frizzle Fry]

Originally Posted by mvpco

Here is the Dash Cam Video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkpltWW5Wfo

Wow, I can't belive he let that guy drive off. You should add a slideshow of that resulting carnage at the end of the vid.

[Bishops Trucks]

The guy falling into his van when he was opening the door didn't register anything to the cop that this guy was on something. I guess he didn't want to be late for his doughnut shop date.

[slammed1]

Jeff,I feel your pain my friend. The video clearly shows a lack of attention from the officer indeed on many accounts......I have been totally sober and pulled over for a minor violation like 5mph over speed limit and have been subjected to way way worse police action than what that officer proceeded to do with that driver on that stop. I have been surrounded by 4 cars with weapons drawn,told to exit my vehicle and lie flat on the ground with palms up for a mistaken vehicle in broad daylight. Normal traffic stops are NOT supposed to be addressed in the fashion the officer addressed that stop and it wasn't a normal stop by any means.
1St To allow the driver to exit the vehicle is the worst scenario any officer can allow.
2nd to allow the driver to just return to the vehicle falling all over himself and to just stand 5 ft from the vehicle without fully checking the car out for other passengers (especially with a panel van)
3rdto just stand there without looking into the van for any type of contraband,other passengers,weapons,and such is just pure negligence on the officers part
4thnot placing the driver in custody while the vehicle registration,insurance,and the drivers license was being checked out as well after seeing the driver intoxicated and doing an exhibition of speed (burning out)
5thfor the driver to have been stopped for burning out of a parking lot and been approached by the officer in that fashion..........all these things are FAR FAR from a text book traffic stop especially one where a driver exited the vehicle and stumbled back to the vehicle only being allowed to drive away is preposterous. If I had exited the vehicle I would have expected to have guns drawn on me,as I would also do as an officer. I am in awe over this whole ordeal and cant believe what this government and society allows to go on concerning state and local laws especially dealing with insurance.

Jeff,I hope all turns out for you,as you seem to be like me and a NON Suing type person but bro,get a lawyer who isnt afraid to fight for a citizens rights and fight the city and state on this one if needed.........this case needs brought to the attention of the US,just as it has in this forum and be made an example of. It sounds like your vehicles saved a life or many more that nite,as it could have been a whole lot worse for another person,family, or multiple people. The fact that personal property was damaged and not lives helped the city and state out in that situation but you should NOT suffer for that. material things are less valued than a persons life but your personal possessions saved the lives of not one but possibly multiple ones that nite and the officer that stopped that kid,made a gross mistake in the entire situation.

You have rights,you need an attorney as in Yesterday my friend and dont be afraid to go after them.

I hope you get this resolved and you have many friends and people on this site alone that want to help you out.

Brian

[Jerry Jones]

Man, that guy was very tired, he could hardly stay on his feet.

[soba_03]

If that dash cam video isn't proof of neglect by the officer I don't know what is. My Brother is a police officer and he reviewed it and was blown away.

I don't like to see anyone sue anyone unless situation warrant it... there are just way to many bull crap lawsuits out there. However in this case it would certainly seem that something should be done.

Go after the city, the office and the bar that served the guy.

I'm sure that you will find a lawyer.. it may take some time. But with the evidence that you have it should be open and shut case....

Good luck....

[68K20 x Drill]

It would all make sense if the officer and perpetrator were friends perhaps?

[slammed1]

Originally Posted by 68K20 x Drill

It would all make sense if the officer and perpetrator were friends perhaps?

Looking at that video you would think there was either a prior knowing of the individual or related to take the incident so lightly.

[5150]

Wow, I'm lost for words. As a former police officer slammed1 brought up a lot of good points.

For one any driver that exits the vehicle before you get there is guilty. Now I'm sure there are circumstances like a pregnant wife or another emergency but this is not one of those cases. In all the training that I've had it's always been apparent that when the driver exits the vehicle to attempt to meet you he is sub-consciously trying to distance himself between himself and whatever is in the vehicle he doesn't want you to find. I don't remember what was found in the vehicle but at the least I'd guess an open container.

Why in the hell is the officer 6 feet away from the car. This in my opinion would say that the officer is trying to distance himself from the vehicle so he has a good excuse later by saying he never smelled anything.

Where is the rest of the video?? I thought he issued him a careless driving citation?? I don't know what time the officer got off but if it's close to that time then there's your excuse but he may just be a lazy officer. I'm always amazed that people judge officers at two totally separate ends of the spectrum. "There too hard, pulled me over for nothing, searched my car" and then there's "they don't do anything, they just collect a paycheck, where is the police when you need them". Though this officer deserves all the ribbing he gets. That is just plain lazy. I used to work with another officer like that and couldn't stand it. I lived for that kind of stuff right there. Dope and DUI's....what better way to serve your community then to take a drunk off the street. PURE LAZINESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

mvpco, have you tried running your own personal background check on the guy. Would be curious to see what other trouble he's been in.

[mvpco]

5150:

Yes, Here is his Record:



Escambia County Florida Clerk of the Circuit Court
Courtviewer Records Search
Rcd Case Number Name Party Type Case Type File Date Disposition
1 2003 TR 012903
FLETCHER , THOMAS Defendant TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS 4/22/2003 CLOSED
Offense Statute Charge Description Lvl/Deg Citation
4/12/2003 316.1985 Improper Backing- Backing on limited access facili. Traffic Moving Infraction 2245-CGS

2 2004 TR 007878
FLETCHER , THOMAS Defendant TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS 3/11/2004 CLOSED
Offense Statute Charge Description Lvl/Deg Citation
2/28/2004 316.610 Driving Vehicle in Unsafe Condition. Traffic Non-Moving Infraction 7267-DGQ

3 2004 TR 031822
FLETCHER , THOMAS Defendant TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS 9/27/2004 CLOSED
Offense Statute Charge Description Lvl/Deg Citation
9/4/2004 322.15(1) DL Not Carried/Exhibited on Demand Traffic Non-Moving Infraction 1215-ARU

4 1999 PV 000622
FLETCHER , THOMAS Defendant PARKING VIOLATIONS 6/1/1999 CLOSED
Offense Statute Charge Description Lvl/Deg Citation
5/15/1999 97-42O 97-42 OTHER PARKING VIOLATION 078319

5 2007 MM 028569 A
FLETCHER , THOMAS L Defendant MISDEMEANOR 12/3/2007 OPEN
Offense Statute Charge Description Lvl/Deg Citation
11/24/2007 316.193(4)4 DUI BAL .20 OR MORE W/ DAM 1ST OFFENSE. First Degree Misdemeanor 3640-XAR

6 2004 MM 026467 A
FLETCHER , THOMAS LEE Defendant MISDEMEANOR 9/27/2004 CLOSED
Offense Statute Charge Description Lvl/Deg Citation
9/3/2004 562.1116 POSS LIQUOR U 21 COURT DOES NOT REVOKE. Second Degree Misdemeanor

7 2007 TR 039241
FLETCHER , THOMAS LEE Defendant TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS 11/29/2007 OPEN
Offense Statute Charge Description Lvl/Deg Citation
11/24/2007 316.1925(1) Careless Driving Traffic Moving Infraction 2483-FDH

8 2007 TR 039587
FLETCHER , THOMAS LEE Defendant TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS 12/4/2007 OPEN
Offense Statute Charge Description Lvl/Deg Citation
11/24/2007 316.1925(1) Careless Driving. Traffic Moving Infraction 2725-SKN

[mvpco]

I talked to the State Atty Office and they are making me a copy of the Jail Video. I will post soon as I get it.

[68 P.O.S.]

Wow, that was interesting. Too bad there's no sound to help your case a little more.

[redneckgirl]

Wow.....I don't know what else to say other than somebody owes you one helluva explanation....I have never seen a more careless officer....

[Bishops Trucks]

Can't wait to see that one.

[Longhorn Man]

I think the lawyers will have to pay you!

[djracer]

Where do you live in pcola? My sister in law lives off of davis highway and the neighborhood looks like yours.

[mvpco]

Originally Posted by djracer

Where do you live in pcola? My sister in law lives off of davis highway and the neighborhood looks like yours.

I am off Davis, between Davis and 9th ave. Olive Road to Tippin. I am at the corner of Tippin and Gatewood Dr.

MAP: http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTEx...ive%2C%2032514

[djracer]

I don't know my way around Pcola. What the rd that runs behind foodworld with the huge speed bumps? She lives on a corner of that and a small culdesac.

[mvpco]

Originally Posted by djracer

I don't know my way around Pcola. What the rd that runs behind foodworld with the huge speed bumps? She lives on a corner of that and a small culdesac.

I live 1 mile from there

[mvpco]

WELLLL....after several days of phone tag and chasing down the correct City's Insurance CO. I finally found them, "Lexington INS Co. in Boston, MA 617-330-4062 Susan Bard. 1/11/07 1:40 central Time I spoke with her and she is VERY fimiliar with the case/claim. She has mailed a letter to me(certified) stating that there is NO COVERAGE that the City has that can help me. I need to go after Thomas Fletcher(the drunk), yada, yada, I have heard it all before. The Officer has been punished and it was a judgement call, yada, yada. Thomas Fletcher has pleaded guilty and has to make restution(sp), My home owners has fixed the fence($500 DED) 1 car has been fixed from INS($500 DED), My GMC truck has been fixed $3450 out of my POCKET, The 72 Burb is still in my yard with no INS agreement on it as of yet. She says that I am left to hold the bag....on this one. She has gone through the policy and there is no coverage since it was a judgement call by Officer Cramer and The driver, Thomas Fletcher did the damage. WOW!!!! But if I find anymore info that may turn it in my favor, I can call her and let her know......RIGHT! I guess I can let CNN, FOX and Inside edition know its OK to go ahead with my story. "DUI Friendly Cities across the US" especially when the Cities and States tout ZERO Tolerance for DUI!

Pass it on, THIS SUCKS!!!

“ Welcome to Pensacola The DUI Friendly City on the Gulf Coast!”


Here is the Chief of Police Reply that made me think they were taking care of this.....RIGHT!


Dear Mr. Smith,
In reference to your email below, I wanted to advise you I have talked
with
Tom Mulroy(850-435-1613) with the City of Pensacola's Risk Management Office and he
said
your claim has been forwarded to the city's insurance carrier.
As you are aware, I suspended Officer Cramer for three weeks without
pay and
mandated he attend remedial training on DUI recognition as a result of
this
incident.
You have been in contact with Lt. Randy Stull, who supervises our
Professional Standards Unit, and he has supplied you with a copy of the
in-car video since the defendant in this case plead nolo contendre to
the DUI
charge.
If there is any additional information we can provide, please feel free
to
contact Lt. Stull at 850-435-1865.

John W. Mathis
Chief of Police
Pensacola Police Department
850.435.1855
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is what 1 viewer wrote:


Florida's Zero Tolerance for DUI Drivers is not
enforced in Pensacola.

Welcome to Pensacola "A DUI Friendly City"

WEAR-TV,

I saw the story that recently aired on WEAR-TV channel
3 about the intoxicated 21 year old who slammed into
Mr. Jeff Smith's home just minutes after he had been
stopped by the Pensacola Police.

http://www.weartv.com/newsroom/searc...1/oXmt8wIE.xml

Dash Cam Video:

YouTube - J Smith Police Video

Videos:
http://www.weartv.com/players/news/t...vid_1606.shtml

http://www.weartv.com/players/news/t...vid_1779.shtml

http://www.nbc15online.com/news/loca...5-31522fca1169

Pensacola News Journal article:
http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...712140340/1006

http://www.weartv.com/newsroom/searc...1/oXmt8wIE.xml


I just can not believe that PPD Officers would let
an individual such as this leave the scene of the
original stop at the Cabana Lounge in the condition he
was in. Firstly, would it not be standard operating
procedure for the Police to administer a field
sobriety test to any individual who was stopped for
recklessly driving his vehicle in a Bar or Tavern
parking lot?, especially at the time this incident
occurred? Is this a situation any Officer can deviate
from? Even if the Officer had another call, unless it
was an obviously grave situation, I can not for the
life of me, understand why anyone would let a person
who wreaked of alcohol drive away in his own vehicle
after such a stop under any condition, considering the
amount of damage an inebriated individual could do
with an automobile, up to and including negligent
homicide. Secondly, if there is a 1985 law that
protects the City from prosecution caused by the
negligence of their employees, why are they punishing
the Officer with 3 weeks of unpaid time off? Is he
not protected from punishment by this same law? Has
any case since 1985 overturned this particular
legislation? I know how lawyers like to quote laws
and fail to remember that a particular law may have
been overturned just to make a person less likely to
file a lawsuit. Seems like something is very fishy
here. Why are there no laws to require insurance
companies to report to Police when a Florida driver
cancels his insurance so that when the officer checks
that persons information through his dispatch he would
know immediately that the individual was not covered
by any automobile insurance? I would like to know how
we can continue to financially support a Police
department that fails to easily expose simple
criminals who choose to operate their vehicles in a
unlawful manner while those same people that support
the Police loose property and lives. I think that Mr.
Smith deserves to be compensated for his damages up to
what he had prior to this incident. I am ashamed that
the City fails to accept responsibility for the
decisions made by their Officers. I visited the site
and noticed that a speed bump was in the road by
Jeff's house where the drunk lost control was probably
another fact that should be considered as a
contributing factor in this incident. How does Mr.
Smith or anyone else in this community recover from an
incident such as this when no one is held responsible
for their actions? The City should be held accountable
so changes in their own policies can be taken
seriously by the City Council. Maybe the Governors
office could shed some light on this situation as it
pertains to accountability.
Thank you for reporting stories such as these as I
know that political pressure can sometimes come to
bear on your station for this type of story. The
"little guy" needs you.
Please follow up on this story and keep the public
informed.

Sincerely,

Jeff Cram
Ensley, FL

[Liz]

Originally Posted by mvpco

WELLLL....after several days of phone tag and chasing down the correct City's Insurance CO. I finally found them, "Lexington INS Co. in Boston, MA 617-330-4062 Susan Bard. 1/11/07 1:40 central Time I spoke with her and she is VERY fimiliar with the case/claim. She has mailed a letter to me(certified) stating that there is NO COVERAGE that the City has that can help me. I need to go after Thomas Fletcher(the drunk), yada, yada, I have heard it all before. The Officer has been punished and it was a judgement call, yada, yada. Thomas Fletcher has pleaded guilty and has to make restution(sp), My home owners has fixed the fence($500 DED) 1 car has been fixed from INS($500 DED), My GMC truck has been fixed $3450 out of my POCKET, The 72 Burb is still in my yard with no INS agreement on it as of yet. She says that I am left to hold the bag....on this one. She has gone through the policy and there is no coverage since it was a judgement call by Officer Cramer and The driver, Thomas Fletcher did the damage. WOW!!!! But if I find anymore info that may turn it in my favor, I can call her and let her know......RIGHT! I guess I can let CNN, FOX and Inside edition know its OK to go ahead with my story. "DUI Friendly Cities across the US" especially when the Cities and States tout ZERO Tolerance for DUI!

Pass it on, THIS SUCKS!!!

“ Welcome to Pensacola The DUI Friendly City on the Gulf Coast!”


Here is the Chief of Police Reply that made me think they were taking care of this.....RIGHT!


Dear Mr. Smith,
In reference to your email below, I wanted to advise you I have talked
with
Tom Mulroy(850-435-1613) with the City of Pensacola's Risk Management Office and he
said
your claim has been forwarded to the city's insurance carrier.
As you are aware, I suspended Officer Cramer for three weeks without
pay and
mandated he attend remedial training on DUI recognition as a result of
this
incident.
You have been in contact with Lt. Randy Stull, who supervises our
Professional Standards Unit, and he has supplied you with a copy of the
in-car video since the defendant in this case plead nolo contendre to
the DUI
charge.
If there is any additional information we can provide, please feel free
to
contact Lt. Stull at 850-435-1865.

John W. Mathis
Chief of Police
Pensacola Police Department
850.435.1855
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Here is what 1 viewer wrote:


Florida's Zero Tolerance for DUI Drivers is not
enforced in Pensacola.

Welcome to Pensacola "A DUI Friendly City"

WEAR-TV,

I saw the story that recently aired on WEAR-TV channel
3 about the intoxicated 21 year old who slammed into
Mr. Jeff Smith's home just minutes after he had been
stopped by the Pensacola Police.

http://www.weartv.com/newsroom/searc...1/oXmt8wIE.xml

Dash Cam Video:
YouTube - J Smith Police Video

Videos:
http://www.weartv.com/players/news/t...vid_1606.shtml

http://www.weartv.com/players/news/t...vid_1779.shtml

http://www.nbc15online.com/news/loca...5-31522fca1169

Pensacola News Journal article:
http://www.pnj.com/apps/pbcs.dll/art...712140340/1006

http://www.weartv.com/newsroom/searc...1/oXmt8wIE.xml


I just can not believe that PPD Officers would let
an individual such as this leave the scene of the
original stop at the Cabana Lounge in the condition he
was in. Firstly, would it not be standard operating
procedure for the Police to administer a field
sobriety test to any individual who was stopped for
recklessly driving his vehicle in a Bar or Tavern
parking lot?, especially at the time this incident
occurred? Is this a situation any Officer can deviate
from? Even if the Officer had another call, unless it
was an obviously grave situation, I can not for the
life of me, understand why anyone would let a person
who wreaked of alcohol drive away in his own vehicle
after such a stop under any condition, considering the
amount of damage an inebriated individual could do
with an automobile, up to and including negligent
homicide. Secondly, if there is a 1985 law that
protects the City from prosecution caused by the
negligence of their employees, why are they punishing
the Officer with 3 weeks of unpaid time off? Is he
not protected from punishment by this same law? Has
any case since 1985 overturned this particular
legislation? I know how lawyers like to quote laws
and fail to remember that a particular law may have
been overturned just to make a person less likely to
file a lawsuit. Seems like something is very fishy
here. Why are there no laws to require insurance
companies to report to Police when a Florida driver
cancels his insurance so that when the officer checks
that persons information through his dispatch he would
know immediately that the individual was not covered
by any automobile insurance? I would like to know how
we can continue to financially support a Police
department that fails to easily expose simple
criminals who choose to operate their vehicles in a
unlawful manner while those same people that support
the Police loose property and lives. I think that Mr.
Smith deserves to be compensated for his damages up to
what he had prior to this incident. I am ashamed that
the City fails to accept responsibility for the
decisions made by their Officers. I visited the site
and noticed that a speed bump was in the road by
Jeff's house where the drunk lost control was probably
another fact that should be considered as a
contributing factor in this incident. How does Mr.
Smith or anyone else in this community recover from an
incident such as this when no one is held responsible
for their actions? The City should be held accountable
so changes in their own policies can be taken
seriously by the City Council. Maybe the Governors
office could shed some light on this situation as it
pertains to accountability.
Thank you for reporting stories such as these as I
know that political pressure can sometimes come to
bear on your station for this type of story. The
"little guy" needs you.
Please follow up on this story and keep the public
informed.

Sincerely,

Jeff Cram
Ensley, FL

this post is on the main page of the site as well now

[old Rusty C10]

even if the state says the cop/city is immune from suit id still sue as well as the bar , barkeep and anyone else involved . this may be the case that sets new precidence. its total BS what happened to you. personally id love to take a trip to florida and beat the heck outta the bar tender ,drunk and the cop just because they were all morons.

[DBLSPRT68]

Jeff, Man this does suck! I'd say let the newsmedia know and maybe some one can help. Here in Memphis, all of our news stations have reporters that investigate things for viewers. People get in touch with them about how they've been wronged or ripped off, and these people get a camera shoved in their face while they explain what happened.... I'd also say let the national news people know what's happened to you. You've had to pay out of your pocket for being asleep at your house, while other people have done wrong! I'm at a loss for what else to do.......Good luck