Florida Trooper arrests Miami officer for going 120 mph

Miami mayor on speeding officer:
"No one should drive 120 miles per hour"

The arrest of a Miami police officer for driving his patrol car at 120 miles per hour in Broward County while on his way to a second job continued to generate reaction from city officials as the police department launched its own probe.

Mayor Tomas Regalado said the incident brings to light several issues the city has been tackling, but the officer's actions were questionable.

"No one should drive 120 miles per hour," Regalado said.

Manuel Orosa, acting Miami police chief, told El Nuevo Herald that any person driving at that speed is seriously endangering public safety. He said he has ordered an investigation.

"We learned of the incident the day it happened and immediately sent our internal affairs officers to contact the Florida Highway Patrol," Oros said. "We are investigating administratively." FHP is also investigating

The incident occurred at around 6:30 a.m. on Oct. 11 in the southbound lanes of Florida's Turnpike near Hollywood Boulevard. A female FHP trooper, identified as D.J. Watts, observed a Miami cruiser pass her at a high-rate of speed. The vehicle was driven by off-duty Miami police Officer Fausto Lopez, 35.

An FHP video, captured by Watt's dashboard camera and provided to Univision Channel 23, shows Watts chasing Lopez with her flashing lights and siren on, then pulling him over after a seven minutes pursuit. She orders him to get out of his cruiser at gunpoint, then handcuffs Lopez, who politely explains he was driving fast because he was late for an off-duty 7 a.m. job at a school.

The officer was eventually released but was ticketed for dangerous driving. The offense is a misdemeanor of the second degree and requires a court hearing.

Regalado said the incident has also shows how many Miami officers live outside the city and take vehicles home. In October, the city decided to charge 40 cents per mile to those with take home cars who live outside Miami.

Miami police has about 1,100 officers. Regalado said only 10 percent live in the municipality.

Several commissioners said the safety of citizens is the first order.

"The police, like everyone, must respect the laws. What has happened is unacceptable,'' said Commissioner Frank Carollo.

Commissioners Wifredo "Willy" Gort and Francis Suarez also regretted the incident. just as the city announced it would hire 55 new officers.

"I think the police have to conclude their investigation. And if the officer violated laws, then there must be a penalty," Gort said.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/10/30/2479870/miami-mayor-on-speeding-officer...

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

• 120 mph
• Florida State Trooper
• Miami
• officer arrested
• police
• speeding

[TheSunergizer]

God bless her for having the integrity in doing what she did.

[perdition79]

"Same team Farva, same team!"

[speedinginmyporsche]

Key words "never catch it"

Man if I was that Miami cop I would have NEVER stopped for some bitch ass pig.

I mean PMS to the max.

I am civilian and I run like gravy.

Miami cop is a puta and getting dissed by another cop is worstest disrespect.

Go Speed raceer Go!

[toetag88]

Funny as hell

[docsimonson]

Good on her.

[toetag88]

Whats the big deal...cops do that all the time...I bet she has done it too...