OHP Releases Dash Cam Clip ; Trooper Scuffles With EMT
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OKLAHOMA CITY -- OHP released the dash cam footage of the trooper involved in a scuffle with a paramedic.
Officials with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol previously rejected any request for the footage, claiming the clip does is not included as part of the Open Records Request.
"Our practice is just not to do it," said Capt. Chris West. "Everybody has wanted this thing, so
More..we're standing by our practice right now."
OHP previously told NEWS 9 paramedic Maurice White assaulted Trooper Daniel Martin after White's ambulance was pulled over ant that alleged assault was caught on OHP dash camera video.
Many people have seen the controversial trooper/paramedic fight video, which was caught on a video phone, including three of the four current gubernatorial candidates.
The next governor will oversee the Department of Public Safety, which is why some of the current candidates felt the video should have been released.
"I don't believe the law requires that they release it but, certainly someone who believes in transparency in government at all levels," Senator Brogdon said. "I think it would be a prudent thing to do."
Brogden is in agreement with his rivals for the state's top office on this one issue. Democrat Drew Edmondson and Republican Congresswoman Mary Fallin all wanted the dash cam video released. Lieutenant Governor Jari Askins had no comment.
In a statement, Fallin says she "personally contacted the Department of Public Safety to urge them to release the tape in question. Doing so, she believes, would further public safety and understanding."
Edmondson says the recording should be made available. "The district attorney in charge of the case has said as much, which indicates to me that there is no reason to keep it confidential as part of the investigation."
Senator Brogdon believes the release will also serve another purpose.
"I think it would be good to release it just so we could maybe put it to rest and hopefully it would quiet things down," Senator Brogdon said.
Trooper Martin's attorney is holding a press conference Monday. On Thursday, OHP completed its internal investigation into Trooper Martin's behavior, but the results of that investigation are not yet known.
Martin remains on paid administrative leave.
Posted: Jun 12, 2009 9:58 PM EDT
Updated: Jun 13, 2009 1:01 AM EDT
By Dave Jordan, NEWS 9
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Added: Jun 13 2009 In: news_politics
Recorded on: May 23 2009
By: manikmikanik
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