Posted on 05/04/2006 1:54:08 PM PDT by The Old Hoosier
Thursday, May 4; 4:16 pm
By John McArdle,
Roll Call Staff
Police labor union officials asked acting Chief Christopher McGaffin this afternoon to allow a Capitol Police officer to complete his investigation into an early-morning car crash involving Rep. Patrick Kennedy (D-R.I.).
According to a letter sent by Officer Greg Baird, acting chairman of the USCP FOP, the wreck took place at approximately 2:45 a.m. Thursday when Kennedy’s car, operating with its running lights turned off, narrowly missed colliding with a Capitol Police cruiser and smashed into a security barricade at First and C streets Southeast.
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| Rep. Patrick Kennedy |
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“The driver exited the vehicle and he was observed to be staggering,” Baird’s letter states. Officers approached the driver, who “declared to them he was a Congressman and was late to a vote. The House had adjourned nearly three hours before this incident. It was Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy from Rhode Island.”
Baird wrote that Capitol Police Patrol Division units, who are trained in driving under the influence cases, were not allowed to perform basic field sobriety tests on the Congressman. Instead, two sergeants, who also responded to the accident, proceeded to confer with the Capitol Police watch commander on duty and then “ordered all of the Patrol Division Units to leave the scene and that they were taking over.”
Baird said he had been advised that after the officers departed, Capitol Police “House Division officials” gave Kennedy a ride home.
Kennedy’s office did not respond to repeated requests for comment.
“If the events unfolded as they have been reported to me, and I believe they did, a complete and immediate investigation into them is required,” Baird wrote to McGaffin. Baird asked the acting chief why officers on the scene were prevented from completing the appropriate investigation “into violations of law they witnessed. This appears to be interference with their duties as U.S. Capitol Police Officers and may have prevented the collection of evidence of such violations."
“My members were attempting to carry out their duties with the professionalism and objectivity their oaths require. They should have been assisted in those duties by every level of supervision and command. Instead these circumstances call the integrity of our organization into question by creating the appearance of special favor for someone who is perceived to be privileged and powerful,” Baird wrote.
While a Capitol Police spokeswoman could not be reached for comment, Baird said in an interview this afternoon that McGaffin had contacted him about his letter.
“I want the public and those who we protect to know that we are fair and impartial when it comes to enforcing the laws on capitol grounds and the officers are doing their jobs in accordance to the laws and D.C. code and U.S. code,” he said.” That’s really why we want this addressed.”
Hiya TOL !
A Chip off the old Chivas I'd say.............
Probably a combination of both. Very sad. They'll be in my prayers.
Don't miss Patches' chicken-scratch handwriting on page 6!
Hmmm... where was the media on THIS one? ;-)
No... Like father, like son. Patches is Teddy's (hic!) son.
Hiya llevrok! How ya been?
Hey, give the guy a break, at least he didn't leave a helpless intern in the car as it sank into the Potomac...... he's doing a lot better than the family norm.
Patches is Teddy's son. He may have been born pickled!
Pinz
Are the police saying the didn't follow procedure because it was a Kennedy? I HATE DRUNK DRIVERS. If Patrick doesn't get the book thrown in his face.. it's just too disgusting the hypocrisy.
Good thanks. And you? I see postings like this and I had to come out of FR "retirement"
Please see Post 77
Please see Post 77.
I know it is really no big deal, I did not post the article, just think the Freeper who posted it first ... kinda like the first to report on the space shuttle crash... anyway I hope the drunk made it to his vote.
What is it with Kennedys and cars? (and corruption)
at least he wasn't skiing...
Cynthia McKinney invoked verbiage that Congress critters cannot be arrested going to or coming from a session. Guess they're all trained to use that excuse as a magic mantra.
It's probably straining his intelligence to just remember that one phrase. He is truly an embarrassment to the human race.
Are all the crazies loose in Washington today???
Pinz
Absolutely nothing will come of this. When the Sargeants hauled him off without breathaliser, without field sobriety tests he was home free. Everything now is heresay.
You cannot get these people, they are protected.
Are the Kennedy's cursed? No--- but we are--with them.
No way!!!!! lol
Pinz
Fox News Alert
Patches 'fesses up, says there was no alcohol.
Pinz
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