Florida Deputy Sheriff, Massachusetts Native, Killed By Wrong Way Driver

Deputy John Kotfila, Jr. (center) pictured with his father John Kotfila, Sr. and his brother Michael Kotfila. (Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office)
[From article]
A Florida sheriff’s deputy was killed after his car collided head-on with another vehicle early Saturday, authorities said.
John Robert Kotfila, Jr., 30, was a deputy at the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. He had just left a hospital where he had been working on an investigation when his vehicle collided with the vehicle of a driver who was heading the wrong way on the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway.
Erik Thomas McBeth, 31, of Hudson, was identified as the other driver in the accident and died at Tampa General Hospital, The Tampa Tribune reported. He was heading west on an elevated highway that was dedicated to eastbound traffic at the time and slammed into Kotflia’s 2013 Dodge Charger at around 2:45 a.m. in Tampa.
Larry McKinnon, a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office spokesman, said the investigation into the wreck is ongoing and a toxicology test will be conducted to determine whether drugs or alcohol played a part in the crash.
Authorities said Kotfila died at the hospital. He had worked with the agency for six years.
[. . .]
According to The Tampa Tribune, Kotfila comes from a law enforcement family. John Kotfila, Sr. told the paper that his son’s grandfathers were both involved in police work. Kotfila Sr. himself is a sergeant with the Massachusetts State Police. His uncle is a deputy in Pinellas County, Fla.
“Both his grandfathers were in law enforcement,” Kotfila Sr. told the paper. Kotfila Jr’s grandfather on his mother’s side was a Massachusetts State Police lieutenant and his paternal grandfather served in the Holyoke, Mass. Police Department.
Kotfila, Jr's brother, Michael, is an officer in Falmouth.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/03/13/florida-deputy-killed-after-being-hit-by-wrong-way-driver.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foxnews%2Fmost-popular+%28Internal+-+Most+Popular+Content%29

Florida deputy killed after being hit by wrong way driver
Published March 13, 2016
FoxNews.com

"Medical" Marijuana Store Needed In Harvard Square

“Unless you have a valid DPH-issued ID card in your possession at the time you visit our facility, you can’t get in,” "Really?" said ex-student who wishes to remain anonymous. "How much will that dude who sells fake driver's licenses charge for fake DPH cards?" And why not use the Out Of town News kiosk, for the ten to fifteen million who pass by that space, for the new medical weed palace? City Council is deliberating what to do with that. Much more convenient.

[From article]
“Unless you have a valid DPH-issued ID card in your possession at the time you visit our facility, you can’t get in,” Dundas said.

http://www.thecrimson.com/article/2016/3/4/medical-marijuana-dispensary-eyes-location/

Marijuana Company Eyes Joint Near the Square
By JOSHUA J. FLORENCE and SAMUEL VASQUEZ

Harvard CRIMSON STAFF WRITERS
March 4, 2016

Kentucky Police Shoot Dead Suspect in Murder of State Trooper

Police say trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder was fatally shot after a high speed pursuit through Interstate 24 in Kentucky.


Joseph Thomas Johnson-Shanks suspect in shooting death of Kentucky State Trooper after a high speed pursuit through Interstate 24 in Kentucky.
[From article]
The man accused of fatally shooting a Kentucky trooper has been shot and killed by police after refusing to drop his weapon following an hours-long manhunt.
A state police spokesman said 25-year-old Joseph Thomas Johnson-Shanks of Missouri was shot by police this morning and later died in hospital.
[. . .]
Police say Mr Ponder was pursuing Johnson-Shanks before the suspect suddenly braked, causing the two vehicles to crash into one another.
Johnson-Shanks then pulled out a gun and riddled the patrol car with bullets - striking the hood, windscreen and Mr Ponder several times, it is alleged.
[. . .]
'My brother was the best man in the world and did not deserve what happened to him. Please pray for us, this was an enormous loss. #Heartbroken.'
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3233591/Highway-closed-manhunt-underway-Kentucky-state-trooper-shot-gunman-flees-nearby-woods.html

Gunman sought for killing of state trooper in Kentucky shot dead by police after refusing to drop weapon when confronted
Manhunt was launched in Kentucky following the killing of a police officer
Police named suspect as Joseph Thomas Johnson-Shanks, 25
It's claimed he fatally shot the police officer following a high-speed pursuit
Johnson-Shanks was himself shot and killed when discovered by police
By COREY CHARLTON FOR MAILONLINE
PUBLISHED: 02:46 EST, 14 September 2015 | UPDATED: 09:48 EST, 14 September 2015

White Cincinnati Campus Policeman Indicted For Shooting Black Driver; No Cause To Stop

University of Cincinnati campus policeman Ray Tensing (left), indicted for shooting to death Samuel DuBose (right), after a traffic stop.

In Cambridge, MA Harvard University campus police, who are negligently trained, do not know  where their jurisdiction ends. They think they can make traffic stops in the city of Cambridge. Unlike the University of Cincinnati, Harvard University employees and selected individuals in Cambridge, MA may ignore inconvenient laws. They are protected by the Obama-Holder doctrine, and city and state laws which make laws optional for selected elite residents of Cambridge and Harvard University. It is extremely unlikely that any Harvard University campus policeman would ever be indicted no matter how egregious his conduct. For the past twelve years one of their charming and thoughtful badge wearers took time from his busy schedule to focus on harassing me. Last week he tried to cause me to have a heart attack due to relentless intense harassment at my home. On one occasion he called me, "Space cadet," indicating he perceived me as a mental patient. It shows how he treats persons with disabilities, like the rest of his poorly trained colleagues. 

[From article]
Authorities have said Tensing spotted a car driven by DuBose and missing the front license plate, which is required by Ohio law. They say Tensing stopped the car and a struggle ensued after DuBose refused to provide a driver's license and get out of the car.
Tensing has said he was dragged by the car and forced to shoot at DuBose. He fired one shot, striking DuBose in the head.
But Deters dismissed Tensing's claim that he was dragged by the car and suggested that he shouldn't have pulled DuBose over to begin with.
[. . .]
DuBose's death comes amid months of national scrutiny of police dealings with African-Americans, especially those killed by officers. DuBose was black. Tensing is white. Authorities haven't indicated whether race was a part of the investigation.

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/07/29/ohio-police-officer-who-shot-driver-during-traffic-stop-indicted-on-murder/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foxnews%2Fmost-popular+%28Internal+-+Most+Popular+Content%29

Ohio police officer who shot driver during traffic stop indicted on murder charges
Published July 29, 2015
Associated Press
Fox News

Limit Police Stops to Same Race, Sex, Ethnicity, Hair Styles?

Oh wait, what about hair styles too?

Why limit this idea to police and traffic stops? Why not judges, hearing officers in SSA, Food stamp intake workers, prostitutes, casino dealers too? If persons were only allowed to interact with people exactly like themselves it would eliminate all discrimination lawsuits. One employee, the executive director, of the local cable access television station in Cambridge MA, told me that a man cannot discriminate based on gender, against a man. Really? The ideas held in the minds of misguided liberals at the same time would keep psychology researchers busy for many years. What ever happened to the idea of diversity? Didn't work out too well did it?


[From article]
Citizens of color should have the choice to interact with cops of the same racial or cultural background. In practical terms, it would look like this: An African-American driver is pulled over for, say, not signaling a lane change. The attending officer will, in the spirit of good public service, ask the driver if she’d be more comfortable with an African-American police officer. If so? Then the attending police officer calls it in and sits with the citizen until an African-American officer shows up.
[. . .]
Women who are sexually assaulted, for instance, are sometimes given the option of conducting their interviews with a female officer. It’s not convenient, but it’s better policing: The theory here is that a female officer will be more understanding and less threatening, and that this might matter a great deal to a woman who has been victimized by a man.

http://news.yahoo.com/color-coded-cops-solution-police-080000322.html


Are Color-Coded Cops the Solution to Police Brutality?
By Eugene S. Robinson

August 6, 2015 4:00 AM

Alabama Gentleman, Charged With Attempted Murder of Policeman After Traffic Stop

Janard Cunningham, 34, charged with attempted murder of policeman

Photo: Birmingham Police[

From article]

A Center Point man with a violent past is now charged with attempted murder in the pistol-whipping of a Birmingham police detective during a traffic stop Friday morning.
Police today identified the suspect as 34-year-old Janard Shamar Cunningham, also known as Janaris Shavar Cunningham. He has at least a half dozen convictions dating back to 1999, and as many arrests in which charges were dismissed during the same time period.
Cunningham is charged in the beating of a detective who is a six-year veteran of the force. Authorities said Cunningham stole the detective's gun and then repeatedly hit him in the head until the detective stopped moving.

[. . .]

It all began just after 11 a.m. Friday when the detective, in plain clothes and an unmarked car, stopped a maroon 2012 GMC Yukon in the 9100 block of Parkway East in the Roebuck Plaza, possibly in connection with some burglaries in the area. He approached the vehicle, and told the suspect to stay in the SUV while he waited for a marked unit for backup.
Cunningham got out of the vehicle despite the officer's demands, and began to question the detective about why he was being stopped. A tussle followed and the suspect assaulted hit the detective in the head with his own weapon.

[. . .]

Not long after the attack, photos began to surface on social media showing the detective lying face down on the pavement. Another photo showed him bloody and kneeling, but awake. In some cases on Facebook, the photos were accompanied by words of support for whoever beat the detective.
That, police say, is outrageous. Officers are angry that any photos were shown at all, but even more so that there were some who mocked the incident. "He was laying there lifeless and people were standing around taking pictures,'' said Birmingham police Sgt. Heath Boackle, president of the Fraternal Order of Police. "If the tables were turned, and that was a suspect lying there, they would be rioting."

http://www.al.com/news/birmingham/index.ssf/2015/08/suspect_with_violent_past_char.html

Man charged in Birmingham detective's beating; outrage follows support of attack on social media
By Carol Robinson | crobinson (at) al.com
on August 08, 2015 at 12:40 PM, updated August 08, 2015 at 12:41 PM

* * *

[From article]
Alabama police are outraged after photos of a detective beaten bloody by a suspect who stole his gun during a traffic stop were shared by witnesses and praised on social media.
The suspect, 34-year-old Janard Cunningham, is charged with attempted murder for allegedly assaulting the six-year veteran following a traffic stop at a shopping center in Roebuck around 11am Friday.
The plainclothes detective, who has not been identified, was taken to the hospital for treatment after the assault but has since been released and is recovering at home.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3191174/Police-incensed-witnesses-shared-photos-bloodied-detective-sympathizing-murder-suspect-stole-gun-beat-didn-t-move.html

Angry cops hit out at cheering witnesses who shared photos of beaten detective: Suspect who stole cop's gun and pistol-whipped him charged with attempted murder
Janard Cunningham, 34, charged with attempted murder for alleged assault of plainclothes detective at parking lot in Roebuck, Alabama
Unidentified officer recovering after incident, which followed traffic stop
Fraternal Order of Police president took issue with those supporting the attack on social media and said 'The officer had every right to shoot him'
By DAILYMAIL.COM REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 10:39 EST, 9 August 2015 | UPDATED: 12:39 EST, 9 August 2015

Reason, No Reason Is Really A Reason

Is it any wonder why voters and  taxpayers are confused and remain uncertain about what to believe? The article is the same published by AP and republished on the Fox News site. But the headlines were the opposite as can be seen by the link in the first citation. This is an example of the trouble you get into if you only read the headlines. 

Texas trooper's boss says there was no reason to pull over Sandra Bland

http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/07/31/texas-trooper-boss-says-there-was-no-reason-to-pull-over-sandra-bland/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+foxnews%2Fmost-popular+%28Internal+-+Most+Popular+Content%29
Texas trooper's boss says there was no reason to pull over Sandra Bland
Published July 31, 2015

Associated Press
Fox News

* * *

[From article]

"There was a reason, if you look at it from a traffic violation standpoint," Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw said, responding to sometimes pointed questions from lawmakers during a hearing at the state Capitol. "But again, I don't want to prejudge. I don't know what the trooper is going to say in terms of when he's interviewed. When the investigation is over with, I'll be able to assess."
• Texas trooper's boss says he had reason to stop Sandra Bland

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_WOMAN_DEAD_IN_JAIL_LEGISLATURE?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT

Jul 30, 8:00 PM EDT
TEXAS TROOPER'S BOSS SAYS HE HAD REASON TO STOP SANDRA BLAND
BY PAUL J. WEBER
ASSOCIATED PRESS

Support For Cambridge, MA Street and Roadway Redesign

Western Avenue, Cambridge, MA during construction

Priorities should be determined by usage. In some areas sidewalks are seldom used. They should be removed to make room for more cars to go faster. No sidewalks would eliminate car-pedestrian accidents and injuries too. City ordinance can ban pedestrians, and require immediate entry to a vehicle when leaving a building. In winter no sidewalks requires no snow removal. Heavy car usage of streets must get priority over light usage by bicyclists. Car owners pay more taxes and should get proper value for their taxes.

http://cambridge.wickedlocal.com/article/20150709/NEWS/150706812

LETTER: Cambridge's leaders should celebrate new Western Avenue
Mariko Davidson, candidate for Cambridge City Council; Jan Devereux, candidate for City Council; Nadeem Mazen, City Councilor; John Sanzone, candidate for City Council
Posted Jul. 9, 2015 at 3:49 PM
CAMBRIDGE Chronicle
Letter To the editor:

Good Samaritan Shot in Lynn, MA

[From article]

It all started Wednesday afternoon when an elderly man in a pickup truck struck a motorcycle on Whiting Street in Lynn.
“The driver of the pickup truck got out to check on the well-being of the motorcyclist, and the motorcyclist attacked him,” Lynn Police Lt. Rick Donnelly said.
That’s when Lebaron Felings, sitting on a nearby stoop, saw the older man being punched and decided to intervene.
The motorcyclist fled, vowing to get Feling’s back. Five or six minutes later he came back and shot him, hitting Felings once in the stomach.
Felings was hospitalized but is expected to be OK.

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/07/02/good-samaritan-shot-while-helping-assault-victim-in-lynn/

Good Samaritan Shot While Helping Assault Victim In Lynn
July 2, 2015 10:23 PM

CBS News Boston MA

Susie Steimle

Driver Lights His Car on Fire During Police Questioning

[From article]
Fire officials say officers were trying to talk to a driver around 2 a.m. at the Stassney Food Mart on 5717 South Interstate 35. When officers tried to get closer to him, he jumped back in his car and said, “I think I’m going to set the car and fire,” according to APD dash camera video. A few seconds later, a loud pop is heard and fire engulfed the vehicle.
One of the officers said he saw the driver with a lighter in his hand and investigators believe the vehicle had fuel in it.
The officers were able to pull the driver — who was alone — out of the burning car before fire crews arrived, and the driver was taken to University Medical Center Brackenridge in serious condition and may likely have to be taken to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio.
Police say they believe the driver of the vehicle was trying to commit suicide.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=04c_1433283382

Austin Officers Thrown Back from Exploding Car - Suspect Gets Back In Burning Car!
KXAN

Fool Me Once Shame On You. NYC Driver Pushes His Luck and Loses

William Reed, Suspect

[From article]

PA Police Officer Martin Smolen initially pulled over William Reed at 12th and Provost streets in Jersey City around 9:15 p.m. May 15 for driving his silver 2005 Dodge van without his headlights on near the tunnel, law enforcement sources said.
Reed, 42, of Bethlehem, Pa., handed the officer his registration with his name on it — then roared off through the tunnel to Manhattan, the sources said.
Police didn’t pursue Reed because of safety concerns, they said.
But seven days later, Smolen got the chance to even the score.
The cop spotted the elusive Reed driving the same van only four blocks away, on 14th Street near Erie Street, and pulled him over.
When Smolen placed Reed under arrest for warrants stemming from their first encounter, Reed admitted having marijuana in his van — and a search turned up 16.5 pounds of the leafy stuff, the sources said.
He was charged with obstructing government function, hindering apprehension, and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

http://nypost.com/2015/05/26/driver-caught-with-17lbs-of-pot-pressed-his-luck-with-cops/

Driver caught with 17 pounds of pot pressed his luck with cops
By Philip Messing
New York Post
May 26, 2015 | 4:29am

New Mexico Policemen Shot Dead After Traffic Stop, Suspect in Custody

Andrew Romero (right) is accused of fatally wounding Officer Gregg Nigel Benner in a shooting.

[From article]
Just after 8 p.m. Monday, officer Gregg "Nigel" Benner was shot during a traffic stop near Southern Boulevard and Pinetree Road in Rio Rancho. He later died at UNM Hospital, the department confirmed early Tuesday.
Benner, 49, was a four-year veteran of the department and a married father of five adult children. He was also an Air Force veteran.
[. . .]
RRPD said this is the first time an officer has been shot and killed in the line of duty in the department's 34-year history.
Monday night, officer Benner pulled over a man and woman in an 1999 Dodge Durango at Arby's on Southern Boulevard. The license plate attached to the Durango did not match the vehicle, which may have been the impetus of the stop, according to a police spokesperson.
The suspects, a female driver and a passenger - a man identified as 28-year-old Andrew Romero - then fled in the vehicle and ended up near the Esther Bone Memorial Library.
[. . .]
Police said Romero likely reached around the woman in the driver's seat and shot Benner several times in the torso.
Police confirmed in a Monday news conference that a handgun was used and that at least three casings were found. The handgun was connected to a robbery that Romero allegedly committed later Sunday night.
Benner was unable to draw his gun in time, Rio Rancho Police Chief Michael Geier said.
A Good Samaritan and an off-duty paramedic immediately rushed to Benner's aid after the shooting. The officer was transported to UNM Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Rio Rancho police said the female driver stayed on scene while Romero fled. She was shot in the foot and is currently being held on previous charges related to probation violations and is cooperating with the investigation, according to Chief Geier.
Romero has previous convictions for violent crimes, including serving three years in prison for manslaughter. He was wanted on an outstanding warrant for probation violations.
Around 3:30 a.m., several law enforcement agencies helped locate and arrest Romero at a Valero gas station near Rio Bravo and Broadway in Albuquerque. Police say he was in another stolen vehicle at that time.

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S3806808.shtml#.VWT3d2TBzRY

Rio Rancho police identify officer killed in shooting; suspect in custody
Updated: 05/26/2015 4:41 PM | Created: 05/25/2015 8:34 PM
By: Elizabeth Reed and Blair Miller

KOB.com

Updated: White Boston MA Policeman Shot, Black Suspect Killed

Posted March 27, 2015 8:48 PM ET; Last Updated March 28, 2015 5:30 PM ET


Angelo West
Photo: Boston Police Department
[From article]
A 41-year-old Hyde Park man opened fire on Boston police officers who stopped his car in Roxbury last night in an "unprovoked" attack, hitting a decorated officer and Army veteran in the face, Boston police officials said this morning at a press conference.
The officer, 41-year-old John Moynihan, remains in critical condition at Boston Medical Center, said police Commissioner William Evans.
"Officer John Moynihan is still in critical condition, we were down there this morning visiting him, he is still very much sedated," Evans said. "The bullet is currently lodged behind his right ear."
Evans identified the suspect, who was shot dead by police, as Angelo West. Evans said West had a violent criminal past with several gun convictions.
The gunfire erupted on Humboldt Avenue and Ruthven Street at about 6:40 p.m. last night when six officers in two cars stopped a vehicle. The officers were in the area because of gunfire earlier in the night.
[. . .]
Moynihan is a 34-year-old former Army Ranger, who was honored at the White House for his role in rescuing Transit Police officer Dic Donahue in Watertown after the Boston Marathon Bombings.

http://www.bostonherald.com/news_opinion/local_coverage/2015/03/hyde_park_man_shot_cop_in_unprovoked_attack_top_cop_says

Hyde Park man shot cop in 'unprovoked' attack, top cop says
Saturday, March 28, 2015
By: Fiona Molloy, Jordan Graham
Boston Herald



* * *



[From article]
The officer was shot under the right eye and brought to Boston Medical Center. Boston Police Commissioner William Evans says the officer is in critical condition.
The suspect was shot and killed on Humboldt Ave.
Evans says the officer was shot after a traffic stop.
McGuire says several other people were brought to hospitals with what appeared to be non-life threatening injuries. It’s not clear whether they were shot.
http://boston.cbslocal.com/2015/03/27/boston-police-officer-shot-in-roxbury/

Police Officer, Suspect Shot In Roxbury

March 27, 2015 8:20 PM

CBS News Boston  MA

Serial Texas Road Rager Arrested

Rashaad Devon Ben, a 23-year-old Austin resident
[From article]
As seen in the above video, the man called Nowlin a “bitch” and spit on the windshield of her car. He then raised a clenched right fist and said, “Fuck you, Black Power.” He added, “White bitch” before returning to his vehicle.
“He got out of his car three times after chasing me around at high speeds and almost killing a female jogger,” Nowlin told TSG. Cops have classified the February 4 incident as "disorderly conduct abusive language" and "reckless driving."
[. . .]
According to Texas Department of Public Safety records, Ben’s first conviction, for theft, came in 2008 (when he was 17). Since then, he has been convicted of marijuana possession (twice), drunk driving, theft, resisting arrest, and driving with a suspended license (twice). He was most recently arrested in late-January for possession of drug paraphernalia.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/stupid/austin-texas-road-rager-546930

FEBRUARY 12, 2015
Texas Police Probe Recidivist Road Rager
Woman filmed spitting suspect accosting her on Austin roadway

Supreme Court Of The United States Permits Police To Violate Fourth Amendment Rights

[From article]
“By refusing to hold police accountable to knowing and abiding by the rule of law, theSupreme Court has given government officials a green light to routinely violate the law,” said John W. Whitehead, president of The Rutherford Institute and author of the award-winning book A Government of Wolves: The Emerging American Police State. “This case may have started out with an improper traffic stop, but where it will end—given the turbulence of our age, with its police overreach, military training drills on American soil,domestic surveillance, SWAT team raids, asset forfeiture, wrongful convictions, and corporate corruption—is not hard to predict. This ruling is what I would call a one-way, nonrefundable ticket to the police state.”

http://www.dcclothesline.com/2014/12/28/supreme-court-rules-8-1-citizens-no-protection-4th-amendment-violations-police-ignorant-law/

Supreme Court Rules 8-1 Citizens Have No Protection Against 4th Amendment Violations by Police Ignorant of the Law
Posted on December 28, 2014

by John W Whitehead

Chicago Traffic Jam

A driver is stuck in a traffic jam going into downtown Chicago . Nothing is moving north or south. Suddenly a man knocks on his window.

The driver rolls down his window and asks, 'What happened, what's the hold up?'

'Terrorists have kidnapped Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton, Oprah Winfrey, Nancy Pelosi, Rosie O'Donnell, Jesse Jackson and Al Sharpton. They are asking for a $10 Million ransom. Otherwise, they are going to douse them with gasoline and set them on fire. We are going from car to car, taking up a collection.'

The driver asks, 'On average, how much is everyone giving?'

“About a gallon.”

Maryland Police Stop Travelers Search For Legal Weapons

Photo by: Bob Child
Police have been on the lookout for those bearing arms along the busy Interstate 95 corridor between Florida and Maine. Especially zealous police officers have stopped several motorists in Maryland. (Associated Press)

Notice that Maryland police did not stop and check the NYPD assassin who shot his girlfriend in Owings Mills, outside of Baltimore before traveling with pistol to NYC and killing two policemen.

[From article]
A year ago this New Year’s Eve, John Filippidis of Florida was driving south with his family on Interstate 95 when the Maryland Transportation Authority Police pulled over his black Ford Expedition and proceeded to raid it while his twins, wife and daughter looked on — separated in the back seats of different police cruisers.
The officers were searching for Mr. Filippidis‘ Florida-licensed, palm-size Kel-Tec .38 semi-automatic handgun, which he left at home locked in his safe. (Maryland does not recognize handgun permits issued by other states.)
[. . .]
The incident gained national attention. Mr. Filippidis went on multiple radio programs and described in detail how scared and outraged he and his family were. He wondered: How did the police know he was licensed for concealed carry, and what right did they have to search through his personal items on the side of the busy interstate filled with holiday travelers on that 10-degree day?

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2014/dec/30/gun-owners-fear-maryland-cops-target-them-for-traf/

Gun owners fear Maryland cops target them for traffic stops
Stories pile up but police say searches are legal
By Kelly Riddell
The Washington Times
Tuesday, December 30, 2014

NYPD Arrests Reduced Greatly During Dispute With Anti Police Mayor

Photo: AP 

[From article]
NYPD traffic tickets and summonses for minor offenses have dropped off by a staggering 94 percent following the execution of two cops — as officers feel betrayed by the mayor and fear for their safety, The Post has learned.
The dramatic drop comes as Police Commissioner Bill Bratton and Mayor Bill de Blasio plan to hold an emergency summit on Tuesday with the heads of the five police unions to try to close the widening rift between cops and the administration.

http://nypost.com/2014/12/29/arrests-plummet-following-execution-of-two-cops/

Arrests plummet 66% with NYPD in virtual work stoppage
By Larry Celona, Shawn Cohen and Bruce Golding
New York Post
December 29, 2014 | 11:30pm

Anti Police Protest Delays Ambulance, CA Man Dies

Protesters have taken over freeways and local streets during recent demonstrations in Berkeley about police-involved killings nationwide. Interstate 80 is shown here on Dec. 8, when a woman in labor was temporarily stuck on the freeway due to crowds. 

Photo: Emilie Raguso
[From article]
“Anytime there is a delay it causes us concern,” he said, speaking generally. “Our objective is to get there rapidly so we can start treating the patient.”
Several city staffers — who asked not to be named because they are not authorized to speak with the media — confirmed that paramedics were delayed in their response to help the man who collapsed, and said he later died at the hospital.

http://www.berkeleyside.com/2014/12/19/exclusive-man-died-after-berkeley-protests-delayed-help/

Exclusive: Man died after Berkeley protests delayed help
December 19, 2014 3:44 pm

by Emilie Raguso

Father Of Pennsylvania Teens Stopped By Police Wants Chief Fired; Councilman Shot Dead By Black Gang

Police Chief Andre Williams

[From article]

The mayor of Chester – a city already reeling from gang violence after the killing of a City Councilman last month – said Tuesday she still supports Police Chief Andre Williams after the father of twin high school scholar-athletes who were handcuffed during a traffic stop called for the chief to be fired.

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/12/09/6608501/chester-mayor-all-confidence-in.html?sp=/100/104/109/129/&ihp=0#storylink=cpy

Odell Williams, 69, a city councilman and former Chester police officer, was gunned down Nov. 4 in what police say was a slaying by five alleged gang members, who are black. Sheriff Underwood said that gang members made death threats against him, his officers and their families during the investigation.

Read more here: http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/12/09/6608501/chester-mayor-all-confidence-in.html?sp=/100/104/109/129/&ihp=0#storylink=cpy

[. . .]
The father of black scholar-athlete twins is calling for the firing of Chester Police Chief Andre Williams after the chief pulled over his sons, and officers drew guns on and handcuffed the teens during a traffic stop on known gang turf.
It’s the first skirmish in Chester County’s police war on gangs that has boiled over since the Nov. 4 drive-by shooting death of City Councilman Odell Williams. Five alleged gang members were charged in connection with the shooting.
The incident comes amid national protests and concerns about how police deal with black men.
[. . .]
What is clear is that Chief Williams, who is black, pulled over Cardan Williams, 16, who was driving with his brother Caymen, 16, at about 8:20 p.m. Nov. 21. [. . .] What is in dispute is the manners Chief Williams and other officers used during the stop in a Chester neighborhood known to police as “E-block” gang territory.
The police chief said he saw the car Cardan Williams was driving pull out in front of another driver in an unsafe manner, and that when he turned on his blue lights and tried to pull him over, the teen did not stop for more than a half-mile. Failure to stop for blue lights is a felony in South Carolina.
[. . .]
Police are employing even more safety measures in the streets, concerned for their own and others’ safety after gang members made death threats against officers following the shooting of Odell Williams, who was himself a retired police officer.
“In a felony traffic stop, we do have guns out,” Williams said. “In light of this neighborhood and what has been happening with gangs, I am not going to put myself and my guys in danger.”

http://www.heraldonline.com/2014/12/08/6604419_chester-father-calls-for-firing.html?sp=/100/104/109/129/&rh=1

Chester father calls for firing of police chief after guns pulled on sons
BY ANDREW DYS
adys (at) heraldonline.com
December 8, 2014