Dallas Cop Apologizes for Traffic Stop
Officer releases personal statement after public outrage
Dallas Police Department
Officer Robert Powell issued an apology after a traffic stop where he drew his gun on a family rushing to see a dying relative.
Dallas police officer Robert Powell, who sparked public outrage because of his behavior during a traffic stop, issued an apology Friday afternoon.
"I wish to publicly and sincerely apologize to the Moats family, my colleagues in the Dallas Police Department, and to all those who have been rightfully angered by my actions on March 18, 2009. After stopping Mr. Moats' vehicle, I showed poor judgment and insensitivity to Mr. Moats and his family by my words and actions. With great remorse I accept my responsibility for adding to their grief in an already difficult time.
I have attempted to reach Mr. Moats to express my personal condolences directly to his family and my regret about my actions. While these efforts have been unsuccessful so far, I hope we can talk soon.
Again, I am very sorry for what I did and ask for the forgiveness of all those touched by these unfortunate events."
The Associated Press reports Powell said he tried to contact Ryan Moats.
Posted Friday, Jul 17, 2009 - 12:08 AM CST
