Posted on 08/09/2006 5:00:14 PM PDT by JennysCool
ALBUQUERQUE -- Right in the middle of today’s deadly carjacker pursuit, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department arrested two members of Albuquerque’s famous Unser racing family. Both Al Unser Sr. and Bobby Unser Sr. were booked into the Metro Detention Center this afternoon charged with failure to obey a police officer and resisting arrest.
Both walked out of the jail about 3:30 p.m.
The brothers, who have a combined seven checkered flags at the Indianapolis 500 and are huge names in the racing world, apparently thought their celebrity status meant they were above the law.
The police pursuit of a stolen car, complete with reported shotgun fire aimed at pursuing officers, ended about 11 a.m. when the suspect crashed into another car and then accidentally or deliberately shot himself to death with the sawed-off shotgun. That dramatic conclusion happened at an intersection close to some Unser family property.
While the incident was still unfolding, Bernalillo County sheriff's investigators allege Al Unser started going through a roadblock in an attempt to get to his property. Despite six or seven warnings to leave the area, he still refused to leave, saying it was his property--he owned it.
When the deputy told him he would be arrested, Unser allegedly said, “You can't take me to jail,” and began cussing at the officer.
Officers report he then jerked away and said, “Don't you know who I am? I'm Al Unser.”
A short time after he was arrested, Bobby Unser showed up. Deputies said he, too, refused to leave and resisted arrest.
Both were transported to holding cells at the Valley substation before being taken to jail.
“They simply told them numerous times to leave the area, and they simply refused to do so,” Erin Kinnard of the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Department said. “Were not talking about a situation where we're trying to catch a shoplifter.
“This was a serious and dangerous situation.”
KRQE News 13 was told Al Unser threatened the arresting officer, telling him he would get back at him some day.
People on the scene also said the deputies didn’t recognize Al Unser and didn’t care who he was, they just wanted the men to leave since shots were being fired in the area.
Contacted later, Al Unser Jr. declined a request for an interview. KRQE News 13 was unable to reach Bobby Unser.
While the incident was still unfolding, Bernalillo County sheriff's investigators allege Al Unser started going through a roadblock in an attempt to get to his property. Despite six or seven warnings to leave the area, he still refused to leave, saying it was his property--he owned it. [emphasis added]
Worst day on this forum for many good longtime freepers.
sorry... yes, I don't know what happened to Travis McGee and farmfriend.
I getting a strong sense of a private-property based right to interfere in a police action by exposing oneself to harm.
LOL.... maybe Travis should have gone to CU instead.
Bobby was heard saying "Well, ya see Sam, you're wrong and I'll tellya why."
Hey, if the Unsers want to be a Darwin candidate its their RIGHT! =o)
Are you a cop? Do you know the rules of engagement for the Albuquerque police department?
Lots of hot-doggin' goin' on on this thread.
When cops are working a crime scene, anybody who interferes for any reason are subject to physical restraint and/or arrest. Things may work out later to be in the favor of the restrained and/or arrested, but at the scene, at the time the cops are in charge. They may be wrong in their interpretation and enforcement of the law, but they will always believe they are in right, at the time, and will act accordingly. Only a fool will try to bully a cop at a crime scene. If a person doesn't want to wear handcuffs and arrange bail, then stand back until the cops get done with what they're doing.
They forgot they weren't the Clinton's.
I was bored one day clicking away on FR when I came across a thread where TM was banned. Many pleaded with JR to keep him posting but to no avail. In my opinion the comments of TM were no worse than some posters have said in the past with current privileges. I am sure it was deeper than what was posted and we may never know the other side of the story since he is gone. I wonder if they will ban me for even thinking about it.
What part of the Constitution is that in?
The Unsers apparently have your attitude, which is why they got cuffed.
Never mind the legality of that action ...
Where do these crazy guys get off thinking they've got a right to their own property???? Especially if it means more work for the [genuflecting] Police?
While the incident was still unfolding is a relative statement
he still refused to leave, saying it was his property--he owned it. this is a statement of fact, either he owned it or not.
They were interfering with a live situation. Al's need to get to the beer cooler is secondary to law enforcement's need to defuse the situation.
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