In an earlier Post we published information about Alex Guerrero getting arrested. HOWEVER, there's a LOT more to the story.While the Sheriff's Department Press Release IMPLIED there was drugs involved, THERE WAS NOT!
Alex was pulled over for not wearing his seat belt. He was with his Girlfriend and Daughter. Their Daughter was asleep in the back seat. It should be known, Alex is no virgin to traffic violations and had NEVER been confrontational, ever.
A Salisbury Police Officer pulled them over and immediately called in a K-9 Unit from the WCSO. Alex was immediately upset because there are no drugs. Big name, big bust????
What should be known is this. Alex was handcuffed in front of his Daughter AND his Girlfriend was handcuffed in front of their Daughter. There was never a search of the vehicle, (so I'm told) and the girlfriend was released while Alex was arrested. He was released on his own Personal Recognizance.
The Press Release IMPLIES "The deputy attempted to have the driver, Alexis Guerrero-Delacruz exit his vehicle while his K9 partner sniffed the vehicle for the presence of the odor of illegal drugs" yet there were NONE. It suggests that Alex became confrontational and BOTH Officers had to take him down, (so to speak).
Well, in doing so, interesting how once Alex was released he immediately went to the Hospital to get checks out because he has cuts AND A BROKEN NOSE!!!!
Funny how a Professional Boxer who is in a multitude of fights survives a broken nose but once he gets into an alleged confrontation with local Police Officers, they have no problem breaking his nose.
Alex and Fernando Guerrero have done more for this community than ANY other celebrity. They have been working with underprivileged children for many years. They have mentored Lord knows how many children and they are WELL KNOWN by all. The Police have pushed buttons and have clearly disrespected an INNOCENT man, even though a professional police officer/K-9 allegedly smelled the odor of drugs, yet NOTHING was found.
I'm NOT going to mention names here because while they may want to be the center of attention, screw that, they're NOT getting it here.
There will be more to come on this story. I will NOT get into details but the Sheriff should have done a whole lot more to calm this situation down. Oh, that's right, he's not been the center of attention in what, a year or more now. FIGURES!
New Posts to fall below.
125 comments:
Sheriff Mike Lewis is the biggest redneck ever.
This sort of thing happens all the time. Cops pull over innocent people and use a pretext to search the car. The unfortunate situation with Alexis is one more example of how the War on Drugs is really a War on Individual Liberty.
Joe, you need to sit back and let this one go. You were not there. There were at least 3 units meaning 5 PO's there. Sometimes you lead with your mouth backed up only with your heart. Leave it alone. Trust me you have no idea who you're screwing with. This will end up very bad for you.
I certainly hope the boxing community and supporters remember to extend the same courtesy to local police... uh... er.... (thugs with guns). This may be the beginning of the tipping point. Local police can only push a community so far before they react. Also, We all know that if there had been any resisting or aggressive behavior from Fernando, 2 deputies would have Knocked out COLD.
And again we see the threats from local impotent police....
I don't care who it is! Wear your seat belt!
2:03pm...I don't know Mr. Albero personally, but have followed his blog for a few years now, and have met him a few times. It sounds like you are trying to keep his best interest in mind, but if you think that you can keep him from following this story and investigating it I don't think you know him very well..just my observation. I may not always agree with his opinion and he may not agree with mine; however, I admire his work and efforts, and appreciate it.
I guess celebrities are above the Law. If you have nothing to hide go through the process and get on your way.
anonymous 2:21, first of all, thank you. Secondly, ANONYMOUS commenters NEVER scare me. Besides, I don't break the law so I couldn't care less what they threaten me with.
Sure does happen all the time and this is why I dislike K9's. They are a hugh waste of tax payers money and rarely if ever find anything or anything that amounts to much.
Sounds also like a classic example of racial profiling to me also. I would be madder than hell if some officer claimed (lied) to smell pot when I knew darn right well he was making it up.
I am standing behind Alex 100%.
Its about time you see and understand how these police officers really work Joe. They are not here to protect and serve, only to enslave and imprison. It wont be long until there are so many laws that we all (including you Joe) will be considered criminals. When Jails became "Big Business" it created "special interest", were talking about a billion dollar a year business. Politicians are bought out everyday, has it not occurred to anyone that creating laws, and imprisoning people is a special interest that intern leads politicians to create more laws, which leads to more people in prison which ultimately means more $$$ for those "special" people. Does it not bother anyone that we have more people locked up in the USA then any other country COMBINED. One would think the USA is full of violent criminals, we all know thats not the case. Unfortunately the truth is, we have lost out freedom. This is very important for people like Joe to understand, and show the public what is really taking place.
I know people here think there is no racism anymore, but I guarantee you that the police are far quicker to call in the drug sniffing dogs on black people. Let's just call it what it is: he was pulled over for driving while black. Happens all the time, and it is wrong.
To all those who say he should just deal with it and if he has nothing to hide, who cares think of it this way: if you got pulled over for no good reason (a seat belt is very, very minor and almost never gets you pulled over), and now you have to sit on the side of the road and wait for 30 minutes while a dog goes through your stuff. Now you are late for wherever you were going. Add this: your boss just drove by and saw you there with a drug sniffing dog. Now you've got to explain this to your boss without getting angry or looking defensive. Repeat all this once every couple of weeks.
Now do you get it? It is pervasive and it has to stop.
Alex not Fernando
Profiled???!! Ha, don't think so. IMHO YOU are about to find out what profiling is buddy.
This is typical for the police in this town. Always say they smell marijuana and then they have probable cause to search you vehicle.
This has happened on several occasions to friends of my children.
What, you mean like a well known former State Police Officer's published past history?
Where in the heck are these deputies getting their training from that they don't even know what drugs smell like?
I'm forever reading how they are going to some training held by the Fumbling Bureau of Imcompetence (FBI) which another hugh waste of money. It was those dopes at the FBI who were told not once but a few times that some middle eastern men were talking flying instructions and only seemed to care about landing a plane and not so much taking off. And what happened Sept 11th, but for some reason police depts think we are supposed to be impressed when a member takes a seminar from the FBI.
Seems like sbynews and supporters are getting a lot of police attention. I'm thankful for the anonymous option.
I just love how all these people threatened joe and dont give a name, it's easy to hide behind a computer. Man up to your threats.
The police in this town do a fine job and if you had to deal with the idiots and the low lives like they do on a daily basis you would be quick to hand cuff someone to assess the situation. If there wasn't a reason to go down town then he wouldn't have gone and it was probably his name that got him released so cut the race baiting crap nobody's buys that worn out old gripe.
Joe,
I attempted to leave a comment very similar to this post on WBOC's website and Facebook page and both were removed. While resisting should not be taken lightly it is obvious to me why this young man would be upset! The police officer and his supervisors should be embarassed by this! As for the local media all I can say is way to make Mike Lewis and his officers look like idiots! Thank you for continuing to keep the news REAL!
This type of things happens a lot. I even witnessed someone get pulled over for having their bright lights on for like 2 seconds too long and then watch as the officer implied he smelled weed. Upon talking further he ended up not searching anything and not mentioning it again. It's as if he only said to see what kind of reaction he could provoke. There are many problems in this town with gangs and I feel like SPD is just one more gang the general public has to worry about.
One thing becomes apparent, and that is, any auto owner may require the excercise of their full legal rights by requesting that a search warrant be obtained and presented prior to any search. One does not have to volunteer or consent to the search. It is a layer of protection and creates a record and trail of actions.
Even though I would have no reason for a police officer not to search my vehicle/s upon request, I would never do so without first requiring the warrant.
Police state mentality. Guilty until proven innocent. I would have been hot too if they handcuffed me and I know the only thing I didn't do was put on my seat belt? A broken nose?
Don't support anymore local police charities or functions. Their budget won't hold them. sad days ahead
I have had 2 ladies cut me off talking on the cell phone in the last two days. Is it that hard to follow a simple law such as wearing a seat belt or not talking on a cell phone. What in the hell is this country coming to. The ones opinionated about profiling would be the first on here suing someone. This young man made a mistake. He should have said I'm sorry and understand your concern for my safety.
Well here is food for thought...
What if you were Alex, and like posters above pointed out, Now your on the side of the road waiting for nothing, wasting your time maybe making you late to something and then the dogs go at it with your car...
I bet you didn't know that it doesn't matter if the dog smells something or not or rips your car apart doing it... they won't replace or fix it and you can't sue the police or the city for destroying your car even though nothing was found and even though you told them nothing would be found...
So to the poster whom said just go with it, lets see you JUST GO WITH IT once your car is destroyed and YOU have to pay to replace it not to mention what if it was a new car? who's going to pay off the first car so you can get the second? sure as hell won't be GAP insurance...
The SOB's have gone crazy. I mean give me a break...my son's been the victim of the same situation without the arrest....twice. Again...don't go where the crimes are being committed just stop vehicles and generate revenue to fuel the machine. I had never been around so many officers that can't tell the truth or won't fight what really matters.
Typical police behavior. My buddy was pulle din Fruitland. He is black. They detected the "odor of marijuana" and searched his car. They held him in the freezing cold for over 45 minutes searching his car top to bottom to find absolutely nothing. After they found nothing, they proceeded to tell him to give up information since they obviously had him for drugs. My brother was threatened to be taken to jail as well because he was smoking a black and mild cigar. Typical police behavior around here. It would be too much to ask for them to go break up a drug house, but a guy minding his business must be punished.
Sorry, 3:46, The police don't have to have a warrant to search your car if they claim "probable cause." Here's how easy it is to claim probable cause: "Hmm . . I think I smell pot." That's all they have to do, and you have zero defense (how do you prove they did not think they smelled something). You see, odor comes and goes, so it is the perfect thing for an officer to use to justify searching your vehicle without a warrant, and just because he doesn't like the way you look.
Put Lewis and Guerrero in the ring!!! Lets get ready to rumble!!! Can't hide behind the badge then huh?? Roid Dwarf Cop vs. Profiled Puncher!! I'll take the Puncher in 1!.......Dwarf? LOOOOOOOOOOSER!
GOOD FOR THE DEPUTIES! i love the fact they dont let a "star" slide. hes a criminal. and yes, breaking the law is a crime, hence a criminal! you resist, expect to get forcably removed. congrats to the sheriff's office!
Do they have dash cam of this by chance?
3:46, I do not believe a warrant is needed when a police officer claims to smell pot. Actually most searches are done without warrants because through out the years the courts have defined a number of situations in which a search warrant is not necessary.
and officers do not need a warrant if there is probably cause. the dog "going off" is probable cause. if he had let the deputy search, everything wouldve been fine (assuming there were no drugs of course).
In my opinion they don't profile enough. Just look at the number of teachers accused of child molestation in the past few years. Lord knows how many are getting away with it. This is an evil world we live in and its going to get worst. For my safety and that of my family keep profiling. Joe and I don't break the law so we shouldn't have to worry.
F U ALBERO
Ps the dogs are trained to sniff drugs, but also to obey commands as well. Meaning a cop could give a command and have to dog act a certain way and then say the dog "hit" on drugs. We as the public have no idea how the dog will "alert" officers to the presence of drugs. Police do less good then harm anymore, too scared to fight the "real criminals" that run the streets but are willing to humiliate everyday hard working people. Cops are given all the power.
@ 3:48
No one is saying he should have not worn the seatbelt. What we are saying is there is no need for a drug search when the stop is for a seat belt unless the cops have some ulterior motive....which they do. WOuld you thank the officers that arrested you and your girlfirend infront of your child and then broke your nose? I sure as hell wouldn't thank them. I probably woul dhave been locked up for swingning back.
There are plenty of BS reasons for cops to search your car. "Odor of drugs" is one reason, I also had a friend who was told by a cop, "either you can let me search your car, or you can turn this into a big deal." It is out of hand the illegal searches committed.
Funny all the threats you get when you discuss police officers on here. I guess that means we know they are reading this huh?
@ 4::04
"They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety."
Benjamin Franklin
People like "4:04" are a huge problem in this country. This is why we have...
TSA
DHS
NDAA
Patriot Act
EPA
The List Goes On.....
Over Policing the people, is a lose lose situation.
I say when the cop pulls you over let a big FART..let him smell that!..hmm what kind of "odor" will he detect then? I think maybe then the sniffing dogs would throw up!
If Alex Guerrero is a true man he will apologize for his behavior. Why is it when a black man gets pulled over you use the race card Joe. Cops just dont beat up on innocent people in this town Joe. Alex screwed up. Let's see if he will do the right thing.
say what you will the police are always right. there was a case where two officers manhandeled a young man that did not do anything. the third officer arrived on the scean and looked at the evidance and told the boy brother that the other officers were wrong, but he would not interviene because it was not his case. sorry about the spelling!!!
anonymous 4:42, do tell us why YOU feel Alex should apologize. Do also tell us just how you know the Officers involved have never assaulted any one. Could it be that you are that close to this situation pulling a CYA or are you just another Blogger stirring the pot, trying to convince others you are someone you are not?
Duh! The main source of narcotics come from the blacks along with most crime.look at the statistics
Its well known they not only profile blacks....any young people are subject to their nazi like treatments. For the past 2 yrs the officers have been claiming "they looked nervous" for probable cause to call the k9 unit. Mike Lewis SPITS on our Constitution every time he puts road blocks out "sobriety checks"...stomping on our Constitutional rights for Fed. money for his dept.....flat out disgusting!
Please explain to me how stopping an adult for not wearing a seat belt is in the interest of public safety? Why waste the time? Just goes to show how their is a greater interest in generating revenue than stopping hard crime.
All this news lately about bad cops.
What is happening?
He was stopped for no seat belt end of story.
Mike Lewis is a jerk
This will not end pretty. You are not as connected as you think you are Joe. Think about it.
The fact stands that he was pulled over for something that turned into a "drug investigation" and a
K9 was called in. No drugs were found. What that amounts to is poor training on the part of these law enforcement officers.
just cool it until ALL the FACTS are in. i don't agree with everything a few law enforcement officers do, but i sure respect most of them (for the most part) for the hazardous job they have each day. they deal with the worst of the worst. they deal with people you wouldn't want to deal with.
rather than stirring the cauldron, pray for all involved.
4:58 who cares about joe?? This is about imcompetent LE officers who don't know what drugs smell like!!!
Quit trying to change the subject.
anonymous 5:02, while I agree with your comment, I am truly bothered that Alex, (who has done so much for this community) was treated like a criminal. I do respect Officer but I am just as human as the rest of you, I do not always agree with them. Mind you, they don't always agree with me either, THINK ABOUT THAT, ALL OF YOU. Just because I disagree with a situation doesn't mean I dislike them. I agree to disagree. The WCSO chose to publish a Press Release and I happened to get the other side of what happened. Believe me, every one will get the chance to watch this unfold and I don't care who you are, it's NOT going to look good on law enforcement. Just my opinion.
I say pull over all blacks with dreads who drive nice cars. If they meet a drug dealer profile, so be it. It is that type that give them a bad name.
Screw peoples rights. More times than not, cops are right. Their job to to bust drug dealers and criminals. If they mess up every once in awhile, so be it. Time to get these folks off the street.
I was pulled over because I had a air freshner hanging from my window and the cop says sir you weren't doing anything wrong but you have a tree hanging and it'd obstructing your view but I see white people with beads hanging,gps stuck to glass and they don't bother them
Probable cause is now make it up as you go along by LE officers. All they have to say is they smell something, or you were acting nervous. Do you know of anyone who isn't nervous to a certain degree when pulled over, if nothing else being embarassed. In Fruitland, apparently it's illegal to walk down the street. Pedestrians are frequently stopped & frisked with no good reason being given. I remember when LE could be trusted, looked up to, & were helpful. From what I've seen & heard out of the majority of them, those days are long gone. Respect is earned, & for LE to be making threats in answer to questions being raised brings none. Welcome to the police state...
Alex is a great guy. He is also a teddy bear until you get him mad. His daughter was in the car and there were no drugs. I'm thinking young cop trying to make points.
Whats funny is this type of crap happens all the time yet most of the time you guys shout bs. Now that it's a "celebrity" well it must be true.
Your day is coming Albero.
don't boxers have to take urine tests?
No offense but it occurs to me that Alex is mad because he thinks the cops should have given him special treatment aka "the fame card",and because he did not, it is time to reach into the deck for a "race card."
I have to say this....he may in fact have been profiled after he was stopped. But he was stopped for not wearing his seatbelt. That's a violation. What happened from that point no one but the people who were there know. The best thing for him to have done was to follow every instruction they gave him, allowed them to complete their search or whatever without saying or doing anything, then been allowed to go home with his family. Whether it pisses you off or not, the best course is to always obey those who protect us and that way, nothing bad should happen to you. If you want to follow up with a complaint or a suit later on, that's your choice. But you are never going to win once you start with anger with the police. Just my opinion.
You know I've been watching a few shows where they call out a K9 unit for a suspicion of drugs. When they go around the K9 unit they said that the dog indicated there were drugs and they search the car. Then they find nothing. It's just interesting to watch as some of these dogs didn't indicate anything; however, their handler said they did but the dog didn't do anything like I've seen real police dogs do when they indeed find drugs. I think it is a "loose interpretation" by the K9 handler. Am I saying that these dogs don't find drugs? No, they do in some instances but they clearly act much differently.
anonymous 7:20, Ask Alex how many times he's been pulled over, for whatever reason. I think you'll find it has been an overwhelming amout of times. I wish we had a stronger readership within the black community and if we did I think you'd see several hundred comments on this post.
7:18, No drugs were found obviously otherwise he would have been charged with possession, so what excuse do you have for the initial officer calling in the K9?
Press release says it was a "drug investigation." Why did this traffic stop turn into a drug investigation?
Maybe if the sheriff was on the scene he would have found several secret compartments. He can wear a cape and mask and be a super hero.
As someone who has smoke pot in the past (long past), I know for a fact that the smell can linger in your clothes and car long after the joint is gone. Just because nothing was found in the car doesn't mean that the officer didn't smell anything.
I just noticed: My word or verification is "noweedre". LOL
Joe, I wasn't there and I don't really know what happened. We are getting word of mouth reports here. I don't know how many times he's been pulled over. But if it's been a bunch, don't you think he would be wise enough to put his seatbelt on? He gave them a reason to pull him over. Not defending anyone here. As I said, I wasn't there. I think I read some other post here asking this question........don't they have dash cams? That would solve this whole dispute of what actually happened. If they do have dash cams and they won't release it to the public, then I suppose we know the answer as to what happened. I'm not sure they will even do that as they may keep it for evidence of any impending trial that may come from this. I think if he had simply worn his seat belt, this may have never occured. and we wouldn't be having this discussion.
5:10...please pull you Gestapo uniform out of the closet and wear it like a man. He was "driving while black". Now you see why black people fear the police. And you also see why the police were so intent on making the seat belt laws a Primary offense". And, yeah, the police make up the "I smelled marijuana" crap all the time. My son got pulled over for a tail light out (driving MY car!!) and before it was over there were 3 State cop cars AND a K-9 dog going through MY car, including everything in the trunk AND a sobriety test. No drugs, no alcohol... NOTHING was found. FOR A BROKEN TAIL LIGHT! Why? The cop said he "smelled marijuana". Didn't find any. Must have been smelling his own ass. And Alex could have killed those cops. This is how they treat the citizens on a regular basis, but you'll never hear of the great majority of them. Who are you going to complain to? How does a tail light or a seat belt turn into a full blown search and an assault? Quite easily, especially when you are black. Stopping citizens for BS reasons and LOOKING for crime. I KNOW that's somewhere in the Constitution, but I can't seem to find it. Perhaps I have the wrong Constitution....Maybe a cop can explain it. My bad. Most of them can't read that well, and those who can could give a crap about anyone's "rights". And they prove it EVERY DAY. Sorry, Alex. The judges and District attorney are going to find that you did SOMETING wrong and were ENTIRELY at fault. Thats called "protecting and serving".
The police are so criminal.
Joe, send this post in to the guys at Free Talk Live radio show. They have a website and are on the air right now.
I love Imclain! My friend got pulled over for her tail light being out also. Cop asked her if she had been drinking. She hadn't been. Funny thing is by the time she got home, her tail light was working again!
Wow, the truth is finally coming out about the misuse of police power. It's just crazy to me because these things happen every day in the black community. Yet "some" turn a blind eye because it's just the black trash. Funny thing is light is now being shed and I'm interested in seeing how this plays out. Go team Guerro!! Expose these dirty, racist cops. They have been abusing their powers for way too long
Lets get it straight, the Sherrif didn't make the traffic stop, a city police officer did. The deputey did a scan, whatever happened after that is between them, not us. Not sure why we are harping on the Sherrif. I understand its his department so if he feels that something is wrong he will handle it and if the city police chief feels one of her officers did something wrong, I'm sure she will look into it and handle it. It sounds to me like we may be trying to back someone who thinks they are famous. I have seen this guy late at night at Denny's with what appears to be some shady people. His brother on the other hand seems to be a stand up guy. We don't need to know about this. If you didn't have a realationship with this person, would all of this be brought up... not at all. Lets focus on other things and not this. You do a very good job reporting so lets not let a beef with the sherrif ruin your focus on important issues. This to me is a police matter and not a public matter.
heaven forbid local law enforcement do their jobs. everybody always complains about them but love them when they need them. maybe the driver actually did something wrong as crazy as that may sound.
"heaven forbid local law enforcement do their jobs"-LOL
Maybe they should start by learning what pot smell like!
Why don't you look at his case search. Joe, guess you got the hits you were after. And as for "Andy" who claims that people should use their real names, what is your last name? Anyone can make a blogger profile with a name.
To be a cop you can only have smoked weed maybe a few times, but they can claim they smelled it. Really...your not a user so how do you know? From a training class or a bust. What a crock of bull.
7:54
late night at dennys with what appears to be some shady people? what made them shady and what were you doing there late night. thats right annon 7:54 is officer richard hagel. see how you profile
Why have'nt any heavyweights weighed in on this topic?
Joe, Having been on multiple ride alongs with Mike Lewis as a trooper I will say this I never once heard him mention race in a negative light or make a stop based on an individuals skin color. Many of the stops simply were speed enforcement 15-20 or more mph over the speed limit and as for probable cause to searching cars or drivers I never saw anything over reaching the limits of the law. These ride alongs came at a time when the public scrutiny was extremely high as a result of Trooper Plank being killed, Mike Lewis shooting and killing a subject on a traffic stop and the Governor, while on a ride along that involved a high speed chase, announcing no more civilian ride alongs during interdiction patrols. As far as K-9 effectiveness the powers to be stated many times Mike Lewis was better than a dog! I'm sure this situation with Alex involves more than anyone except those involved are aware and will work it's self out given time and due process.
Anonymous said...
Sheriff Mike Lewis is the biggest redneck ever.
February 7, 2012 1:58 PM
I bet you don't have the balls to tell him to his face.
F LE's, I am so tired of their unprofessionalism, they are sowing the seeds of their own demise. Eventuially the public will rise up. Why not have citizen review boards? They won't go were the crimes are being committed, all they want to do is sit in their cars and raise revenue for the state. And they think that's honorable! what a freakin joke.
And don't worry I won't be calling for your help. I'll take care of myself! thank you very much!
Wow what a completely BIASED article that explains very LIMITED facts about this case. It's unfortunate soooooo many folks in Wicomico County are clueless about search and seizure and the use of K-9. Great job by the officers involved controlling a violent subject.
I am not a fan of profiling against blacks or cops.I was pulled over in a convertible on a 50mph road and the cop said he smelled pot.We all know that most cops are not that stupid.After having a little fun with him and after backup arrived I let him search the car so I could go home and have some dinner.The backup cop gave me an apologetic look but it wasn't his stop.They didn't handcuff me,probably because I remained calm and didn't pose a threat.When he didn't find any contraband in the car he was pissed.I truly feel that most cops are good and do a good job but God bless us when the Clint Eastwood wannabee puts on his hat.
Ever since Homeland Security and the Patriot Act, these local clowns all think they are George Bush. They know they can do whatever the heck they want to without repercussions. We the people better keep our heads down and keep walking. As to Fruitland, you are right, Barney is out of his mind over there. They will stop a duck and ask it if it has any weed on him. Just around my feet said the duck. 4 Square miles and they are everywhere. Nothing like over the top taxes to fund your own little Gestapo. Peace out.
Please some of you have to get off the Eastern Shore, total ignorance!
Not one word was mentioned about the safety of the child. With any stop if there are passengers most officers go the exrta step to prevent anything from happening.
I am not going to be a smoking gun and say what if. The bottom line here is that this young man evidently became aggressive. Are you saying thats any better in front of a child!
To Anon 7:30 AM...talk about ignorance. Don't you think you are being an ignorant hypocrite???
Believe it or not, YOUR "Hillbillyish" Eastern Shore with its backwards ways is part of America and you "from heres" need to quit telling us AMERICAN "come heres" where we should live. Maybe it is ignorant people such as yourself need to move somewhere in the Smokeys with all of the other hillibillies because ignorant rednecks such as yourself need to start acting like 20th Century Americans instead of 18th Century ones.
.
First I have to say, I am a white 58yr old women driving a "cute" car. I was pulled over when an officer thought I was not wearing my seatbelt. This was in AA County. Bottom line, it is the law. I dealt with it. The crime rate in Wicomico County is bad. Has anyone considered that no matter WHO he is if he becomes aggressive all bets are off! These officers risk their lives everyday. They never know what will happen on a "routine" stop. Look at what happened to MSP Eddie Plank. With every stop they make they take the risk that anyone can just blow their brains out and ride on! I think everyone needs to remember, white or black..as minor as it was he WASN'T WEARING A SEAT BELT...AND BECAME AGGRESSIVE.. Let me think...if I were an officer and ANYONE became aggressive on a traffic stop, I would nip it in the bud immediately! As far as I am concerned any officer out there that is trying to crack down on the crime, drugs, etc, hooray for him!
Joe-after reading each of the 91 comments this one thought comes to mind, we should require ALL police officers to wear a recording device. Both audio and vidio. I've seen these units which are much smaller than a pack of cigerettes and will record for 12 hours. They can be downloaded everyday "for the record". That way both the officers and citizens rights would be protected. I don't know what Alex did but suspect it was only a DWB violation.
Do you all even read the article, if you can that is? It says he was stopped for a "seatbelt violation" and then the officer decided he was going to search for drugs because of the "odor of marijuana" which is another BS way cops can try to search your car. HE AND HIS GIRLFRIED WERE ARRESTED INFRONT OF THEIR DAUGHTER, NO DRUGS FOUND NOTHING. There were multiple cars there. The professional boxer ends up with a broken nose. No drugs are ever found in the car. You tell me where I am supposed to say "great job officers way to do your job on the seatbelt violation." They got nothing out of the arrest but publicity. You all are absolute idiots. I really do not think you read these stories at all. Here is a 58 year old lady balbbering on about nothing to do with this what so ever. It has nothing to do with them stopping him but everything to do with the way he was treated after the stop. YOU KNOW WHY THE OFFICER THAT STOPPED YOU WAS SO NICE 58 YEAR OLD WHITE LADY??????????????YOU are not BLACK. That was the whole point of the article....
the only danger to the child was from the police. As far as how dangerous their jobs are, well ya know maybe they ought to treat the public with a more dignified, respectful and caring attitude.
Until the salisbury police knock on your door and say sorry to terrify u and your children, but your neighbor disappeared and we are 85% sure that your other neighbor is responsible but we lost the DNA evidence that we got out of his trunk then you won't understand just how WORTHLESS the salisbury police are
Without a doubt 80% of these people commenting on the story are white. Would love to see how much different the comments would look if there were more African Americans on the site. It is funny how when its a black guy getting his rights stomped on, searched and arrested with no evidence marijuana even found after a K9 search then "great job for the seat belt stop." This is hilarious, it is 2012 some of you people, and I mean white people even though I am white, are oblivious to the real world and what happens. You can apply the "blacks cause more crime so its mor logical to pull them over" but that is just the begning to all of us having our rights crushed by the police.
Until the salisbury police knock on your door and say sorry to terrify u and your children, but your neighbor disappeared and we are 85% sure that your other neighbor is responsible but we lost the DNA evidence that we got out of his trunk then you won't understand just how WORTHLESS the salisbury police are
THIS, but they da** sure won't miss a seatbelt violation and a chance to earn some tax dollars. It really is hilarious how people just do not see the big picture at all. Driving through Fruitland is like a mind field, you are bound to get pulled over at some point for absolutely nothing. Searched my black friends car for 45 minutes in the middle of December and he was wearing shorts, just got done working out. The odor of marijuana was detected even though the guy has never smoked anything a day in his life since he is an athelte. Found nothing and still harrassed him for information. It is just too funny how people are blind until they are forced to walk in someone elses shoes.
@10 am you know what driving through fruitland is like a mine field and i love it because those police officers are so on the ball and out working hard- always...my friends and i have had numerous discussions on how great it would be if the fruitland police could also patrol salisbury (getting rid of salisbury police-worthless)
As far as the comment re: the 58 yr old lady...First of all my point was I am WHITE person and was still pulled over. This policeman was not so nice either...did i become aggressive...NO. This story seems to go from pulled over for seatbelt violation to broken nose. What the hell happened ...are you telling me he nose was broken after cuffs were put on? Or did he act aggressively. Anyone with a brain..black or white knows better than to become aggressive with a police officer. What is the problem here? Granted we don't know all the facts, but I am tired of the idiots calling it a race issue. Get over it and act like a normal citizen who doesn't have a chip on his shoulder.
@10:45
You know why they are "on the ball" because they need that money. They are pulling everyone over left and right in hopes of landing a decent size bust. Civil rights or not, they are going to get that money too.
to 9:27am Before you blast some 58yr old bla bla bla...get YOUR facts straight! You know what? It happens to everyone, why ...when it happens to a BLACK man does it become the news of the day. Racism, yep it's still alive. Some try to do what they can..it is still there. I am not black. But if I were I certainly would not be getting smart with an officer pulling me over. Did Alex stop and think before he became aggressive with this officer, that his daughter was in the car...you know what ...I could go on but it seems that no matter ..you have made your mind up and people like you are part of the problem.
@ 11:04
Lol if I am the problem then god bless this Eastern Shore. It couldn't be the fact that maybe there are cops who just may not be as straight as an arrow. Oh no, no way, not here on the Eastern Shore. Listen I have seen civil rights tossed out the window, I have listened to cops tell someone " are you going to make this a big deal, or just going to let us search your car." I have been pulled and searched because of a tag light not tail ligt, tag light out multiple times. I do not care what you think I know for a fact that there are cops absuing their power here locally. This old white lady is talking about her experience and how well she was treated. You are missing the point of the story. The point was he was profiled because of his race. No one argues that the seat belt is the cause of the problem. I am tired of people turning a blind eye and acting like none of this is wrong. It happens on a daily basis. The man was arrested for god's sake infront of his child and no drugs were found at all. You tell me you wouldn't be mad. It could have been you.
anonymous 11:30, AND a broken note, cuts and of ALL THINGS a sprained hand, (as a professional fighter).
@11:04 BTW I have never once been arrested so no my friend I am not part of the problem. The problem is cops feel like they have the power to do whatever they want. When someone tells them no they get angry. I am always respectful and never have once uttered a bad word to a police officer. It is down right sickening. I am white. I see the world as it is. I call a spade, a spade. And this man has been profiled for a while now by the cops juding by his diriving record, I would advise you to look that up.
Would love to see the dash cam for this specific stop from one of the 5 cars that were on scene. But I am willing to bet they will never see the light of day either.
You know what? Maybe after having so many traffic violations..did he ever think that maybe he should start following the Law? Yes, police can abuse authority. Why, if you are a professional fighter would you act this way? He deserves what he gets. If I was a cop I would do what I had to if someone acted aggressive towards me. This is so blown out of proportion. Where is the original police report..Joe can you get your hands on it and print it?
anonymous 1:11, we published the original press release. It stated it was a drug investigation.
11:36, I do not believe EVERY car has a dash cam. Joe, the press release is not the police report. These are two different documents. I think 1:11 was referring to the police report. The police may have been wrong, maybe there wasn't an odor in his car. Who told you there wasn't? Alex? The cop on the scene? Not in any way saying this is the case, but even if he had drugs in the car the night before, the odor could still be there. Everyone is concerned the daughter was there. My concern is he alledgedly resisted arrest, what does that teach our youth. Personally had it been me (this wouldn't have been in the paper, I'm not Fernando's brother) I would not have wanted my kid to see me resist either. If he felt he was being violated, get a lawyer, don't resist arrest. People, good people (like I know Alex is) make bad decisions. Again, not saying thats the case, but before we jump to conclusions we should probably have the full story. I really don't think we have it. I know this is all opinions, but your not doing the community any good making rash decisions that the cops behaved badly, with little knowledge of the WHOLE story.
@10:56
I take it you probably just got on and thre win your two cents without reading either the press release by the WCSO, or either story published about this incident. They pulled him for a seat belt violation, yet in the press release they say drug investigation. They find no drugs, although he and his girlfriend are arrested infront of their child. You don't see anything weird there? It went from a seat belt violation to a drug investigation....on top of that his nose was broken, his wrist was sprained. AND THE MAN HAS TO PEE IN A CUP EVERYTIME HE MAKES A LIVING. If you are too blind after it is spelled out infront of your face then you my friend are a moron.
The same people on here defending either Mike Lewis or the police department will be the same ones on here later mad because Obama is trying to destroy are constitution and you cannot have it both ways. Alex's rights were violated or are you all against the 4th amendment or it only applies in certain situations? Which one is it? The same people on here saying that they love being stopped for conversation or whatever else, are you going to be ready when they come knock at your door without a warrant because you have weapons or something else that they deem harmful ? Will you comply? Who do you think Obama will send? The police your buddies. James Madison said:"Since the general civilization of mankind,I believe there are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power,than by violent and sudden usurpations." The police are doing that now gradually and silently because they have the sheep(you) scared(gangs,drugs)You believe everything is fine because Mike is a cool guy or the spd are some good cops but little by little your freedom is being snatched away from you and you will not even realize it until its too late because they say they are protecting you from the bad guys. Just wait until you become the bad guy.Will you comply?
POWER CORRUPTS,ABSOLUTE POWER CORRUPTS ABSOLUTELY!
Do you want to know what it feels like to be profiled, and hated for your appearance? Try wearing a Police Uniform in Salisbury. Half of the people you see hate you. Drive through many neighborhoods, you will get cursed out just because of the shirt you are wearing.
The guy pushed a cop, and did not let him do his duty. What should the cop do, let him go? What if the dog never even got out of the car because the cop was assaulted, and the arrest happened? No drugs, no alert, guy drives home.
5:30 maybe that should be a warning sign to you and the rest of the police in Salisbury. There is a reason that they hate you and it is not because they are black and they hate all cops. You and your predecessors have done things to create that feeling of resentment and a more explosive atmosphere. Cop cars use to say "To Protect and Serve" not any more and a lot of people do not feel that is the case especially here on the eastern shore. I am not saying all police are bad, as former military myself i am friends with alot of vets who are msp and other agencies around the country and they are the first ones to tell me that the police down here make a very bad name for all police.
Its about time you see and understand how these police officers really work Joe. They are not here to protect and serve, only to enslave and imprison. It wont be long until there are so many laws that we all (including you Joe) will be considered criminals. When Jails became "Big Business" it created "special interest", were talking about a billion dollar a year business. Politicians are bought out everyday, has it not occurred to anyone that creating laws, and imprisoning people is a special interest that intern leads politicians to create more laws, which leads to more people in prison which ultimately means more $$$ for those "special" people. Does it not bother anyone that we have more people locked up in the USA then any other country COMBINED. One would think the USA is full of violent criminals, we all know thats not the case. Unfortunately the truth is, we have lost out freedom. This is very important for people like Joe to understand, and show the public what is really taking place.
No one is saying he should have not worn the seatbelt. What we are saying is there is no need for a drug search when the stop is for a seat belt unless the cops have some ulterior motive....which they do. WOuld you thank the officers that arrested you and your girlfirend infront of your child and then broke your nose? I sure as hell wouldn't thank them. I probably woul dhave been locked up for swingning back.
I bet you didn't know that it doesn't matter if the dog smells something or not or rips your car apart doing it... they won't replace or fix it and you can't sue the police or the city for destroying your car even though nothing was found and even though you told them nothing would be found...
So to the poster whom said just go with it, lets see you JUST GO WITH IT once your car is destroyed and YOU have to pay to replace it not to mention what if it was a new car? who's going to pay off the first car so you can get the second? sure as hell won't be GAP insurance...
The sheriffs office did this to me as well. Pulled me and my wife over for a tag light that "wasn't" functioning. I quote wasn't because by the end of the stop it was. He asked for my drivers license and within 1 minute came back and asked us to step out of the car for a k9 search. They found nothing and threatened to get a warrnt to search my house and such. I did what I had to do to get the situation resolved by to this I promise the next time i'm pulled over every door will be locked and there will be no search no matter what the cop says. They will have to break into my car and when they find nothing I will pursue every legal action possible against wicomico county and if it requires using the internet to destroy the career and reputation of the officer involved so be it.
I don't know who your threatening cops in this area arent worth the crap that comes out my dogs butt. Your so big and bad why don't you say something like that to me I'll have your job in a week it's good to have a position like mine you sack of crap. Oh and I love how you remained unnamed atleast I have a reason to your just a coward with a big mouth and I'm sure your whole family is the same way
Id like to share a conversation i recently had with me 6 year old son. He stated that he wanted to be a cop when he got older. I asked him why, he replied, "because you get to do what ever you want, you can drive fast, shoot people, and act crazy". I will not tell you what I said to him. Unfortunate that this is how the children of this country view police officers, but it is true. His statement was probably very similar to how children viewed Al Capone in the 30's. There is a difference between the two though, believe it or not. Mainly the fact that Capone saved Chicago and the city never would of made it through the depression without Capone. Whether you know the history or not, Capone put food on the table every night for the familys of Chicago. Whereas in alot of cases the Police take away that food by taking away peoples family members and throwing the key away, so to speak, for those "non violent crimes" people speak of. You know ive never understood the concept of "War on Drugs" how exactly do you declare war on an object, that is natural to this earth? Not to mention the fact that this "war" has been taking place for more then 30 years with no end in sight, and most importantly, Its Not Working! Theres more drugs in this country than ever in history. You'd think after the first 20 years our Gov't would of decided to take a different approach.
Horse hockey. Maybe he was breaking the law.
12:47 I teach my children the truth about cops. they are not your friends and are not to be trusted in the least. they will lie cheat and steal to make themselves look good. Shame a parent has to teach that to their children, but cops today aren't like the cops were when I was a kid. and before all you LEO's start crying about wait until I need your help, let me just say it will be a cold day in hell when I call you for help! However I prolly will invite you over to bag the scumbag!!
To 4:51
I have to say, yes statistics say-and why is that??maybe because African Americans are the ones who are the victims of racial profiling-hince it would seem that African Americans would be involved most with drugs and crime, but I find that hard to believe. Even sterotypes say yes maybe African American love their Marijuana but who would be responsible for the other "narcotics" acid, pills, herion, coke and the list goes on-Well sterotypes would have to say that would be the Caucasian Americans-and crime, look at all the crime, molestation, armed robbery, hand gun posession and even murder well again we have sterotypes vs. statistics. Me personally do not think that African American are responsible for most of the crimes. If Caucasians were victims of racial profiling then I am sure they would be the number one by statistics for crime and drugs--just saying-and until you have been a victim of racial profiling you can not begin to comment on how Alex must have felt and I for one feel as though it time to do something about it in this town-and everwhere that is feeling our pain!! enough is enough!! #victimofracialprofiling
Wow, soooooooo many people know the law better than cops, know how to handle every situation better than our cops, know how to treat everyone better than the cops do.
One thing to say. DO IT. If you know everything better, than go get an application and do the job.
A simple challenge so you can put your money where you mouth is (in this case fingers).
Do the job, if you can't make the job better to attract better.
Do the job, if can't and you can't make it better, call your government rep and ask to make it better.
Do the job, if you can't make it better, can't call someone to make it better, than at least thank the ones who are trying.
So much talk and no action.
If you are not part of the solution you are part of the problem.
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