Never a Good-bye

NFL player Ryan Moats didn’t have the chance to say good-bye to his mother-in-law as she died in a Texas hospital on Thursday. Moats has Officer Powell to thank for that lost opportunity.

When Ryan Moats and his family got word his mother-in-law was dying, they rushed to the hospital to see her. On their way, Moats stopped at a red light, felt it was safe to enter the intersection, and proceeded toward the hospital. Officer Powell witnessed this event and immediately turned on his siren and lights. Moats didn’t stop until he reached the hospital a minute later.

Powell pulled his gun on Moats and his family when they emerged from their SUV. The officer demanded Moats produce a driver’s license and proof of insurance. When Moats replied he didn’t know where the insurance information was and that the officer was welcome to look through the vehicle to locate it himself, Powell refused. Moats explained his mother-in-law was dying and he needed to see her. Powell seemed unaffected by this statement. In fact, when Moats pleaded with Powell for permission to leave, Powell went on a power rant. “I can screw you over. Your attitude will dictate everything that happens,” the officer said. Powell also told Moats he could arrest him for fleeing the scene, have his car towed for lack of proof of insurance, issue a ticket for illegally parking, and haul him to jail for running a red light.

A nurse working at the hospital informed the officer that Moats’ mother-in-law was dying and he needed to see her immediately. Powell still didn’t excuse Moats. Instead he said: “All right. I’m almost done.”

Talk about unreasonable. Even Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle felt Powell’s behavior was embarrassing. Powell is on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.

I wouldn’t say Powell should be fired, but his attitude needs some adjustment. Maybe he’s an otherwise good cop, who got caught up in the power of his title. What do you think?