A week after he detained NFL player Ryan Moats while his mother-in-law laid on her death bed, the Dallas police officer responsible has issued an apology to Moats, saying he showed "insensitivity" to the player's situation.
The Dallas PD issued their own apology shortly after the news broke, putting Officer Robert Powell on paid leave, pending an internal investigation. They said he should have escorted the family to the hospital, instead of detaining them.
Powell issued a personal apology to Moats this week, expressing his remorse about how he handled the situation last week.
"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," said Powell. "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.
"Again, I am very sorry for what I did and ask for the forgiveness of all those touched by these unfortunate events," he continued.
Houston Texans' running back was speeding to the hospital on Tuesday (March 17) in the Dallas area, when Powell stopped him in the hospital parking lot.
Despite pleas from Moats, his wife, and a hospital nurse -- that his mother was dying inside -- Powell detained Moats for nearly 20 minutes, asking for proof of insurance. It is also reported that the officer actually drew his gun during their heated exchange, threatening him with jail as he pleaded to enter the hospital.
The incident caused public outrage, when a video of the incident surfaced via the Associated Press. While being detained, Moats' mother-in-law passed away in her hospital bed.
Although he was angry during his exchange with the officer, Moats has accepted Powell apology, reports the AP. His wife, Tamishia, says she'd like to hear the apology personally, but that she too would definitely accept it.
|
