Dallas police Officer Robert Powell resigned from the force Wednesday in the wake of his hospital parking lot confrontation with a family racing to have a final visit with a dying relative."I made this decision in the hope that my resignation will allow the Dallas Police Department, my fellow officers, and the citizens of Dallas to better reflect on this experience, learn from the mistakes made, and move forward," Powell said in a statement released by his attorney.
Powell said he still hopes to speak with Ryan and Tamishia Moats, who he detained as they arrived at the emergency room of a Plano hospital in the early morning hours of March 17. Tamishia's mother was dying of breast cancer. Even though the Moats say Powell had a gun in his hand, Tamishia defied the officer's orders and entered the hospital. Ryan Moats was detained for about 15 minutes, and was unable to say a final farewell before his wife's mother died.
"I still hope to speak with the Moats family to personally express my deep regret, sympathy, and to apologize for my poor judgment and unprofessional conduct," Powell said in his statement, in which he also apologized to fellow police officers. "I have sincere respect and admiration for the men and women of the Dallas Police Department and the work they perform daily, and I wish them well."
The Moats, who accepted Powell's apology, had no comment on his resignation other than to say they still wish to set up a face-to-face meeting with him to try and set aside any hard feelings.
According to police sources, a hearing on Powell's status was scheduled for tomorrow, and that department officials were leaning towards termination.
When a Dallas police officer resigns while under investigation, the rules say that individual cannot reapply for a position with the department.
via
0 comments:
Post a Comment