Questions About Kennedy Car Accident

Channel 9 WUSA ^ | 5/4/2006 | staff

[Leisler]

9 News has learned U.S. Capitol police officers are concerned about the handling of an accident involving Congressman Patrick Kennedy (D-Rhode Island) about 3 a.m. this morning.

Rep. Kennedy was reportedly behind the wheel of a green Ford Mustang when it crashed into a security barrier at 1st and "C" streets Southeast.

There are no reports of injuries. A Boston TV station is reporting Kennedy told officers he was late for a vote. We are told police drove him home after conferring with higher-ups in the department. So far, Kennedy HAS NOT been charged. A spokesman for his office told CNN that alcohol was NOT involved.

The head of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 1, Lou Cannon, told 9 News that he’s concerned that Kennedy may have received special treatment and this could be a case where “rank has its privilege.”

Cannon also told 9 News that officers noticed the car swerving, looking as if it was going to make a U-turn.

9 News reporter Stacey Cohan spoke to Kennedy's press secretary at his congressional office in Rhode Island, who said she is looking into the situation, but does not have any information right now.

Congressman Patrick Kennedy is Ted Kennedy's son. He is currently serving his sixth term as the Democratic Congressman from Rhode Island. He sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee.

[Leisler]

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. “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.

[KarlInOhio]

Mapquest: 1st St. SE & C St. SE

I was surprised. I thought it would be in the reflecting pool or somewhere in the Potomac.

[avacado]

He was going to vote at 3:00 am in the morning??? Did I read that correctly?

[xsmommy]

Officers approached the driver, who “declared to them he was a Congressman and was late to a vote

As in, step aside, DON"T YOU KNOW WHO I AM?????

[Leisler]

From Roll Call.
Officers Claim Brass Interfered in Investigation of Rep. Kennedy Incident
By John McArdle
Roll Call Staff
Thursday, May 4; 4:16 pm

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.).

[beaversmom]

A spokesman for his office told CNN that alcohol was NOT involved.

Yeah, right!

[DM1]

i would say we could pick this seat up but it being RI i sincerely doubt it

[Leisler]

From Roll Call.
Officers Claim Brass Interfered in Investigation of Rep. Kennedy Incident
By John McArdle
Roll Call Staff
Thursday, May 4; 4:16 pm

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.).

[freedumb2003]

The Kennedys are P'sOS of the highest order. Despicable, vile, evil hypocrites. A pox on them.

Thet continue to reap their Uthurian crop. As long as their clan sews evil in the world, evil will be visited on their clan.

[McGavin999]

At least there wasn't a bridge and a young girl this time

You don't know that. When the police cover up for a Kennedy they cover up REAL good.

[llevrok]

At least he wasn't skiing.....

[Dems_R_Losers]

LMAO!!!!!

1st and C Streets Southeast is right in front of the Republican National Committee!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[builder]

It sounds like an ill-fated attempt at terrorism by vehicle to me.The Capitol was in danger.

Send him to Gitmo.

[Ursus arctos horribilis]

All RAT pols are above the law, has it been confirmed they are not illegal aliens getting a free pass too?

[ThanhPhero]

Kennedys, being authentic Liberal Royalty do not get charged. They are exempt.

[nutmeg]

When the police cover up for a Kennedy they cover up REAL good.

Did you know about Patches Kennedy's other accident in RI on 4-15-06?

I didn't think so. Check out his chicken-scratch handwriting on page 6! Where was the media on this one???

[Bahbah]

Fox just said he has denied he was drinking. Let's see, nearly sideswipes a police car and crashes into a guard rail, driving with his lights off, staggers getting out of the car, tells a whopping lie that he was going to a vote at 3 in the morning, and the police are ordered not to test him. Then he is whisked away.

[Jemian]

Kennedy told officers he was late for a vote.

At 3 AM? Riiiight.

[nutmeg]

Fox just said he has denied he was drinking. Let's see, nearly sideswipes a police car and crashes into a guard rail, driving with his lights off, staggers getting out of the car, tells a whopping lie that he was going to a vote at 3 in the morning, and the police are ordered not to test him. Then he is whisked away.

Unbelievable! This really ticks me off. I've had it up to here with these (hic) Kennedys...

[chiefqc]

Yea, he's going to grow up and be like his dad. A lying, murdering fat sloppy drunk.