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http://www.the33tv.com/news/kdaf-drunk-dallas-cop-arrested-story,0,7219748.story

Actions of Alleged Drunken Dallas Police Officer Under Scrutiny for Firing into Squad Car
Critics claim the case highlights a double standard in public intoxication arrests.
Dawn Tongish The 33 News
June 18, 2010


DALLAS, TX - Was off-duty Dallas police officer, Kelly Beemer shielded by her badge? The officer was captured on dash cam video being carried to a squad car by two colleagues, after a night of drinking. Officials say Beemer was drunk, but she was not arrested for public intoxication.

In the video, the officer releases a profanity-laced tirade against the officer trying to drive her home. She then fires a shot from a gun in an ankle holster into the floorboard. On the tape, officers can be heard yelling, "Kelly, drop the gun."

The 27-year old veteran who has been with the force three years, was sent home to sleep it off. She was arrested the next day and charged with a misdemeanor weapons violation.

Critics say the officer was given special treatment because she is employed by the police department.

"Instead of taking her to jail as the officer would have done with any regular citizen, he was giving her a ride home courtesy of the taxpayer," Jonathan Apgar, a Dallas attorney said.

Apgar represents dozens of clients arrested for public intoxication. He says in many cases his clients were arrested on flimsy evidence, that didn't come close to the videotape proof against Beemer.

"Many of my clients were arrested because an officer smelled alcohol on them. They were not intoxicated and not posing a danger."

In a statement, Deputy Assistant Chief, Charles Cato says he made the decision to hold off arresting Beemer until evidence could be gathered to make a decision about what charges would be proper. It is a decision supported by some city leaders.

"He knows the person and what is happening and he knows he will have to reprimand that person," Deputy Mayor Pro Tem, Dwaine Caraway, said.

Dallas police have been in the process of reworking the public intoxication policy. Police say they may include better screenings, like a field sobriety test. But, so far critics say the change has been slow.

"The policy hasn't changed. People are still being rounded up and thrown in jail, based on flimsy evidence," according to Apgar.

Beemer remains on administrative leave. Two other officers have been placed on restrictive duty.

Happens all the time. Glad no one was hurt.

Obviously.

Another 12.5ish K more posts and Jason Big can rival JO for the Bigest Internet Dumbphuck Award...........

Sounds like another rare misunderstanding...

... or just another fun night in Texas.

just another reason chicks shouldn't be LEO's...

nothing worse than a drunk bitch with a gun

I would imagine that is true.
(hope I never have to find out first hand)

a drunk husband rates a close second...

I've seen penty of guys that resemble that remark. grin

This is going to be interesting.

Recently retired chief David Kunkle set a high standard for police conduct.Some of the ones he fired got reinstated by a review process,but the message was clear. Dallas police are not above the law,and are held to a high standard.

Interestingly,the new chief's son shot and killed two men Sunday.
One was a police officer. I think the son,27, was from a previous marriage. I can only say the new chief will be tested as to his mettle in the coming days, and I wish him well. Bob

Yep, favoritism once more. If this had been a private sector drunk that popped a round off during a DUI arrest they likely wouldn't have been taken to jail, but they wouldn't have been driven home either.

Move along,felon!

I think your just resentful of the camaraderie that cops share because you have no friends.

I mean, where else can folks get that type of unconditional support from another?

Aside from the right church and all.

Maybe you should go to church?

Priceless!!

DFTFT

That's funny considering the actions of the cops in that article that you support.