Marion Police Chief David Gilbert took to social media over the weekend to deal with a social media post and ensuing comments, some of which he called reasonable, and “much of it ….critical of the police.” He called it a partial video that didn’t paint the total picture, ending with this, “I’ll end with this– if you are stopped by the police, cooperate as the law requires. If you do, you will be safe. You may even be surprised to receive a simple warning and be on your way quickly. If you do receive a ticket, in our great country you have the right to be heard by an impartial judge who may see it your way or show leniency. Thank you for you time and attention.” His full statement is on our Local News page today.
More of his statement:
“This week a partial video of one of several traffic stops conducted by MPD officers was posted on social media. The stop was for minor traffic violations but led to the arrest of a young citizen who chose not to cooperate when asked. Some feedback on the video has been reasonable and wise and much of it has been critical of the police. I’m used to that and typically don’t respond as people are entitled to their opinions, even when they lack facts or are simply wrong. Some of the comments regarding this particular partial video, however, have been based on untruths, accusations, vitriol, and even threats. For those willing to listen, here is some information.
An adult passenger in the vehicle was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the stop. Seat belts are required in Indiana. Consequently, the citizen was asked for his identification, which the law requires citizens to provide when in contact with the police for an infraction like this one. After multiple requests, the citizen declined to provide a license or ID but eventually begrudgingly gave partial information verbally. However, he declined to provide complete information that is required by the law and that is needed to issue a citation. After multiple requests and explanation of the consequences of not providing the information, the citizen was asked to step from the vehicle. He refused. The citizen then resisted attempts to remove him and so the minimum amount of force to do so was used. The officers communicated with the citizen continuously as he continued to resist, even attempting to get back inside the vehicle. In short, the citizen chose to resist. He was arrested.
I think it’s worth pointing out that had the young man simply provided the information requested (and that is required by law), at worst, he would have received a $25 seat belt ticket (with no court costs and no points added to his driving record). It is also possible he would have been given a verbal warning and sent on his way. As a result of his choices though, the citizen was arrested for Resisting Law Enforcement, Refusal to Identify, Possession of Marijuana, & Possession of Paraphernalia.
The Refusal to Identify statute’s purpose is to ensure that officers can enforce traffic laws evenly and fairly. It would be unjust if some citizens could avoid being cited simply by refusing to provide their identification while other law-abiding citizens are cited and accept their responsibility. The law applies equally as it should. Imagine if you lived within view of your child’s elementary school and noticed a driver speeding through the school zone daily at 50+ mph in the 20 mph zone. Let’s say you noticed that the police stopped the driver one day and, after the stop, you spoke with the officer and he said, “I’m sorry, Ma’am, but I couldn’t write the speeder a citation because he declined to identify himself. I hope he slows down tomorrow.” Simply, the law serves a purpose in our civil society. It also provides for reasonable consequences when it is violated.
Another important point– use of force is not pleasant to watch. That it is not pleasant to see though does not necessarily make it wrong. The facts matter. Our officers are taught to use force only when necessary and when other options have not worked, and then the minimum amount needed whenever possible. The officers in this case began the contact with politeness and courtesy and became more firm and direct only when it was required by the citizen’s choices and actions. The officers made multiple attempts to convince the citizen to cooperate as the law requires and communicated clearly throughout the encounter, even when attempting to gain compliance and even when faced with forceful resistance. The officers were polite when they were allowed to be and were firm and decisive when they needed to be. The citizen chose not to abide by the law even after multiple opportunities to do so. He was arrested. The alternative would have been to allow the citizen to evade his responsibility to abide by the law while other citizens are held accountable. That is injustice. Had the officers allowed the citizen’s tactic of non-compliance to be successful, I would have disciplined them for this would be unfair to every other person we lawfully arrest or write tickets to. The officers did their job and I support them. I hope you do, too. As for the young citizen, I wish him the best and hope he finds wisdom, peace, and success going forward.”
A Muncie woman and a Yorktown man were arrested last week at the Bestway Inn on Muncie’s North Broadway Street and have been charged with dealing in a narcotic drug. The Star Press says 30-year-old Jamie Danielle Speece and 49-year-old Christopher Harold Phillips could face up to 30 years in prison.
A hero among us. As we first told you Friday morning on WMUN news Radio, Muncie’s Hayden DeLong pulled two young girls from the wreckage of a car accident in early March, he shared what was going through his mind when he first saw the children trapped in the vehicle.
He was honored by the Skinner family, and the Delaware County Sheriff’s Department last week – on his 17th birthday. Hear the entire award presentation on WMUNmuncie.com.
Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (IN-05) postponed the March 28 Gas City (11:00 a.m.) and Kokomo (2:00 p.m.) Town Halls having to stay in DC for votes on DHS funding. The Congresswoman will also host live policy discussions on X every first and third Thursday from April through July at 8 p.m., and will still hold a tele-town hall on May 13 – details not included in the release.
Two views on one subject: Indiana school funding
Democrat State Rep Sue Errington’s contention
The other side of the issue explains it this way
Republican State Rep JD Prescott
Full interview on WMUNmuncie.com.
The Pendleton Heights marching band had the opportunity of a lifetime, performing in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, Ireland. Band director Chris Taylor told the “Anderson Journal” morning show about the experience.
Many area schools already have rules banning personal electronic devices in the classroom, but a new state law taking effect July 1 will go even further. Senate Bill 78 prohibits the use of wireless communication devices at any point during the school day – including lunch and passing periods.
One Ball State Day returns tomorrow (April 1). The annual 24-hour giving event allows donors to choose to support student emergency aid or to make a gift to the college, department or organization that means the most to them. Any gift of $5 or more qualifies for participation. Donate at oneballstate.bsu.edu any time from midnight to 11:59 p.m. on April 1.
Tomorrow is the Muncie on the Move breakfast event and program at the Horizon Convention Center. 6:45 a.m. – Doors open7 a.m. – Breakfast buffet opens 7:25 a.m. – Program begins 8:30 a.m. Each event features nearly 200 attendees, a short program, and opportunities to network your business. Tylonius Studio is excited to offer FREE professional headshots for attendees!
A fifth McDonald’s restaurant is headed to Muncie with Mayor Dan Ridenour’s administration announcing on its Facebook page last week construction will soon begin at the corner of 29th Street and Macedonia Avenue.
Critics of President Trump gathered locally in Muncie and Anderson on Saturday as part of the nation-wide “No Kings” protests. There were brief appearances by counter-protesters at both locations, but there were no reports of violence or other public disturbances. The New York Times estimated 8 million gathered at sites Nationwide – an AI source says that’s about 2.5% of the Nation’s population.
Many area schools already have rules banning personal electronic devices in the classroom, but a new state law taking effect July 1 will go even further. Senate Bill 78 prohibits the use of wireless communication devices at any point during the school day – including lunch and passing periods.
A headline on social media over the weekend read, “Cicada COVID Variant Has Hit 25 States.” But some say they buried the lead – in the final paragraph, it said, While experts say it will be hard to determine whether you have the common cold or a case of COVID-19, it may not really matter, since this variant isn’t poised to make those who catch it any sicker than previous versions.” As for symptoms, they look the same as previous versions
Cough
Sore throat
Congestion
Fever or chills
Shortness of breath
Fatigue
Headache
Gastrointestinal issues
And, just like many other variations of COVID-19, experts say some people will experience the telltale loss of taste and smell.
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