In a harrowing incident captured on bodycam video, a family was held at gunpoint during a chaotic traffic stop by the Frisco Police Department in Texas.
The incident occurred on July 23 when officers mistakenly pulled over a black Dodge Charger under the belief that it was possibly stolen due to an incorrect license plate entry. The emotional scenes of the distraught family and the subsequent apologies from the police department have sparked outrage and concern.
The Traffic Stop Gone Wrong
The Frisco Police Department initiated the high-risk traffic stop after noticing a vehicle with an out-of-state license plate leaving a hotel.
Due to recent burglaries and vehicle thefts involving Chargers, an officer conducted a license plate check but mistakenly entered the information from an Arizona plate instead of the correct Arkansas plate. This led the officer to believe that the vehicle might be stolen, prompting the traffic stop.
The Emotional Aftermath
Upon realizing their error, a Frisco Police sergeant immediately ordered officers to “stand down” and ended the high-risk stop. However, the damage was already done. The family, en route to a youth basketball tournament from Little Rock, Arkansas, was left shaken and distraught.
The tweet below verifies the news:
Frisco police apologize for ‘mistake’ after video shows family stopped along highway and held at gunpoint https://t.co/ggn8k2zCy0
— Fox News (@FoxNews) July 31, 2023
The father, who is also the head coach of a sixth-grade boys’ team, tearfully expressed his frustration, emphasizing that they were innocent and good people.
Police Chief’s Response
Frisco Police Chief David Shilson took responsibility for the mistake, vowing that the department “will not hide from its mistakes.” He emphasized that the officer involved quickly accepted responsibility, demonstrating integrity.
Chief Shilson reached out to the family, empathizing with their distress, and offered apologies on behalf of the department. He assured them that accountability and transparency would be prioritized throughout the investigation.
Bodycam Footage Reveals Tense Moments
The released bodycam footage shed light on the tense moments during the traffic stop. An officer pointed his firearm at the vehicle and ordered a young passenger to step out, with hands visible, while the situation escalated.
After learning that there was a registered gun in the vehicle, officers urged caution to avoid potential risks. Three minutes later, it became apparent that the vehicle was not stolen, leading the officers to end the confrontation.
Calls for Review and Changes
The Frisco Police Department is currently conducting an ongoing review of the traffic stop. This review aims to identify areas for improvement in training, policies, and procedures to prevent similar incidents in the future. The incident has raised concerns about the use of force and the importance of accurate information during law enforcement actions.
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