https://themessenger.com/news/new-footage-shows-cops-plotting-to-make-up-charges-against-driver-who-flipped-them-off
Delaware State Police officers were allegedly caught on dash camera footage, appearing to brainstorm a traffic charge against a man who had flipped them off.
This footage emerged after 54-year-old Jonathan Guessford lodged a lawsuit against these officers, alleging they wrongfully charged him with a traffic violation after he gave them the middle finger.
According to the Delaware News Journal, the conflict between Guessford and the police started in March 2022 when he held up a radar ahead sign to warn drivers of an upcoming speed trap. While he was doing this, Cpl. Stephen Douglas and Officer Nicholas Gallo approached Guessford and told him he wasn't allowed to display his sign near the road.
This verbal altercation, also recorded by Guessford, culminated with Gallo seizing the sign from him and tearing it apart.
As he was departing, Guessford extended the middle finger to the officers. This provoked Douglas and Gallo to allegedly tail him and eventually halt his vehicle. They were soon joined by Master Cpl. Raiford Box, who claimed to be their overseeing officer.
Dashcam footage given to the Delaware News Journal by Guessfords attorney depicts one of the officers driving at 90 mph and another surpassing 100 mph in a bid to overtake Guessford.
In this video, the trio can be seen conferring about a possible charge against Guessford. Douglas is captured saying, He stuck his middle finger out of the car and Im like game on, to Gallo. Douglas then ponders charging Guessford for the hand gesture.
However, Box interjects, telling him, We can lock him up for disorderly conduct, and adds, It might not go anywhere, but we can definitely lock him up for disorderly conduct.
Speaking with the publication, Guessford described the situation as a "contempt of cop charge because I didn't show them the deference they think they deserve."
After the incident, Box is overheard cautioning the other officers of potential repercussions, "We can lock him up, take his kid, put his dog in the impound for now it is what it is."
The recording continues with Box contacting Officer Christopher Popps, whom he assumes will be the recipient of Guessford's complaint.
During this call, Box admits their mistake in confiscating Guessford's sign, expressing hopes for a future scenario where they could legitimately arrest him. Popps suggests, "We need to look at something more that applies, like maybe, something stupid, like parked in the roadway, something that will fly." Guessfords attorney has indicated that Popps is slated for deposition in the lawsuit. Within the same conversation, Popps acknowledges that they cannot issue tickets for individuals simply gesturing offensively but assures Box he'll delve deeper into Guessford's background.
Expressing his concerns over the entire ordeal, Guessford questioned the credibility of the officers: "How are you going to let people like that testify against people in court?"
Denying any improprieties, the legal representatives for the officers provided an official statement. It was also noted by the Delaware State Police that one officer faced disciplinary actions, and the event triggered an internal review. Nevertheless, they opted not to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.
Cops are wrong, but that dude must be a special kind of privileged to think he can get away with antagonizing the cops like thatNo. He legally should be allowed. And the fact that this has to be said is literally everything wrong with them in a nutshell.
Cops are wrong, but that dude must be a special kind of privileged to think he can get away with antagonizing the cops like thati flip off cops all the time, mate. haven't had a problem yet
Cops are wrong, but that dude must be a special kind of privileged to think he can get away with antagonizing the cops like thatThis man took time out of his life to sit along the roadway and warn drivers of speed traps, then sued when the cops fucked with him. Sounds like a man who is well off and gives no fucks.
Cops are wrong, but that dude must be a special kind of privileged to think he can get away with antagonizing the cops like that
No. He legally should be allowed. And the fact that this has to be said is literally everything wrong with them in a nutshell.
I'm not saying it shouldn't be allowed. I'm saying you have had to to live a life free from consequences to think you can get away with fucking around with cops like thatNo. They have to be a person that simply feels very strongly about what they do. Furthermore because they aren't doing anything illegal, they should be fine. It's not on them if the police act stupid.
Cops are wrong, but that dude must be a special kind of privileged to think he can get away with antagonizing the cops like thatPrivilege for doing something that's legal?
Cops are wrong, but that dude must be a special kind of privileged to think he can get away with antagonizing the cops like that
I'm not saying it shouldn't be allowed
i flip off cops all the time, mate. haven't had a problem yet
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/2/5/5/AAfOu0AAEwQv.jpgwell the ones around here are actual dicks.
It was also noted by the Delaware State Police that one officer faced disciplinary actions, and the event triggered an internal review. Nevertheless, they opted not to comment on the ongoing lawsuit.
I'm not saying it shouldn't be allowed. I'm saying you have had to to live a life free from consequences to think you can get away with fucking around with cops like thatI love how you're blaming the victim
i've heard of guys doing that. Like holding up a big sign warning of a radar trap up ahead. Most of you think doing this should be illegal?Where would you get that idea that people think it should be illegal?
Cops are wrong, but that dude must be a special kind of privileged to think he can get away with antagonizing the cops like that
i've heard of guys doing that. Like holding up a big sign warning of a radar trap up ahead. Most of you think doing this should be illegal?If its legal for a cop to sit there and fire a radar gun at you without a sign it should be legal for him to do the opposite.
The actual root issue, is that fines shouldn't exist. This situation never would have happened if the cops weren't actively employing predatory behavior in the name of local revenue.idk, how are you going to get people to slow down? there's enough maniac drivers out there
idk, how are you going to get people to slow down? there's enough maniac drivers out there
idk, how are you going to get people to slow down? there's enough maniac drivers out thereIf you have to report to county lockup for a weekend for running a red light, maybe you won't do that next time.
If its legal for a cop to sit there and fire a radar gun at you without a sign it should be legal for him to do the opposite.
idk, how are you going to get people to slow down? there's enough maniac drivers out there
https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/a/user_image/2/5/5/AAfOu0AAEwQv.jpg
Cops are wrong, but that dude must be a special kind of privileged to think he can get away with antagonizing the cops like that
Deterrence is a fallacy. Speed traps are there for revenue raising and nothing more. If they wanted you to slow down theyd be out in the open.Do you guys agree with this? that cops ticketing people for speeding does not slow down very many drivers?
Deterrence is a fallacy. Speed traps are there for revenue raising and nothing more. If they wanted you to slow down theyd be out in the open.
Do you guys agree with this? that cops ticketing people for speeding does not slow down very many drivers?
Besides if they really were about detrerence tickets would scale with income.
this kind of stuff wouldnt happen if people would just slow down and obey the speed limit.This kind of stuff wouldn't happen if cops were human and had even the slightest iota of empathy
This kind of stuff wouldn't happen if cops were human and had even the slightest iota of empathy
as a former deputy, i beg to differ. people need to slow down. even if they are late for bible study, there's no excuse for not obeying the law.
I'm talking more specifically about these cops trying to level trumped up charges because their feefees got hurt
this kind of stuff wouldnt happen if people would just slow down and obey the speed limit.
I know the guy was just reacting to knowing to people speeding (not obeying the law), but even so I've been in many areas where the speed limit is legitimately lower than it should be. I cannot speak for the specific area of where homes was warning other drivers
there will be a reckoning for those cops. what they did was not very righteous. our Lord will not take too kindly to him.
Do you guys agree with this? that cops ticketing people for speeding does not slow down very many drivers?It's 100% factual.