A Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officer in an unmarked Chevy Monte Carlo was captured on a dash-cam seemingly sideswiping a biker during an attempted traffic stop.
The person who filmed the video is YouTube author “christenmarket“. He wrote:
“FHP Sgt Spencer Ross chases a motorcycle rider and sideswipes him. This trooper has a history of chasing motorcycles and violating FHP polices. He has a hard on for bikers smh.. Once he notices a citizen recording him he attempts to evade the area.. Most of his arrests and citations of bikers are falsified..”
In the video, we see the trooper in the unmarked Monte Carlo following the motorcyclist before flashing his lights and attempting to force the biker onto the safety lane creating a potential traffic hazard.
While it does look like there may have been some contact when the officer tried to sandwich the biker between his car and the median, we’re not entirely sure. Either way, it was a dangerous move, not only for the biker, but for other motorists as well. The rider then pulled ahead and left the scene.
Asked about the incident, FHP Sgt. Kim Montes told the Orlando Sentinel that there was no contact with the “alleged speeding toll violator”.
“Based on preliminary review, there appeared to be no attempt to ram or to make contact with the motorcycle, however, this incident is currently being reviewed by FHP,” Montes said in an email.
She added that, Ross “disengaged when the motorcyclist fled from the scene,” according to FHP rules on motorcycle pursuits that “are designed to protect the safety of the motorists”.
The crew over at Jalopnik’s Lanesplitter, found the FHP guidelines that mention:
Members are authorized to pursue suspects who they reasonably believe have committed:
- A felony offense;
- a violation of section 316.192 (reckless driving);
- a violation of section 316.193 (DUI).
Each decision must be based upon the conditions and circumstances existing at the time and by the training and guidelines set forth by the agency.
ALL OTHER PURSUITS ARE PROHIBITED
“The motorcyclist’s driving behavior was dangerous to everyone on the roadway,” Montes said. “If anyone witnessed, or has any information about the incident, we ask them to call FHP.”
What are your thoughts on this incident?