Cops have a pretty risky job, since they’re the ones having to deal with the criminal element.
Sometimes excessive force is required–sometimes common sense is all that’s needed.
In this case, the police should’ve used less of the former and more of the latter.
Kathryn Winkfein, a 72 year old grandmother, was pulled over recently for speeding in a construction zone. Winkfein was clocked doing 60 mph in a 45 mph, according to Pct. 3 Constable Richard McCain.
The events that happened next are in dispute. Winkfein, while admitting she was speeding, refused to sign the ticket stub, instead asking to be taken to jail.
The officer that puller her over asked Winkfein to get off the side of the road after she exited her vehicle. According to the officer, Winkfein used profanity and became violent.
Quickly sizing up the danger of being assaulted by a 72 year old grandmother, the arresting officer did the only logical thing–he tasered her.
Winkfein denies that she was argumentative and combative, and believes she was severely mistreated. She has hired an attorney to protect her rights.
When asked if the officer in question used appropriate measures in dealing with Winkfein, Constable McCain simply answered, “Yes.” [my Fox Austin]
I have seen alot of strange things happen in my life but didn’t that police man out weight her by 100 or so pounds and towered above her by 6 inches, granted she was in the wrong but there was a more simple solution than what was issued out. I as a former Army Ranger saw no potential terrorist activity nor WEAPON. Shame someone ie; police,,,, have to pick on elderly women, when they are bored. But they can brag and clam they got to use the tazzer,,,,,no water boarding here, maybe we ought to use that as well.
End of mission
a concerned vietnam vet
I have seen alot of strange things happen in my life but didn’t that police man out weight her by 100 or so pounds and towered above her by 6 inches, granted she was in the wrong but there was a more simple solution than what was issued out. I as a former Army Ranger saw no potential terrorist activity nor WEAPON. Shame someone ie; police,,,, have to pick on elderly women, when they are bored. But they can brag and clam they got to use the tazzer,,,,,no water boarding here, maybe we ought to use that as well.
End of mission
a concerned vietnam vet
I have seen alot of strange things happen in my life but didn’t that police man out weight her by 100 or so pounds and towered above her by 6 inches, granted she was in the wrong but there was a more simple solution than what was issued out. I as a former Army Ranger saw no potential terrorist activity nor WEAPON. Shame someone ie; police,,,, have to pick on elderly women, when they are bored. But they can brag and clam they got to use the tazzer,,,,,no water boarding here, maybe we ought to use that as well.
End of mission
a concerned vietnam vet
I feel the constable was justified in this incident. I don’t think the 72 year old has a chance in a lawsuit. She refused to sign the ticket. She SHOULD”VE just signed it and complained in court. That is what a reasonable person would’ve done. Also, I have heard much about him pushing her. She was pushed to keep her out of traffic. She also dared him. She should just let this be and really get over herself!
I feel the constable was justified in this incident. I don’t think the 72 year old has a chance in a lawsuit. She refused to sign the ticket. She SHOULD”VE just signed it and complained in court. That is what a reasonable person would’ve done. Also, I have heard much about him pushing her. She was pushed to keep her out of traffic. She also dared him. She should just let this be and really get over herself!
I feel the constable was justified in this incident. I don’t think the 72 year old has a chance in a lawsuit. She refused to sign the ticket. She SHOULD”VE just signed it and complained in court. That is what a reasonable person would’ve done. Also, I have heard much about him pushing her. She was pushed to keep her out of traffic. She also dared him. She should just let this be and really get over herself!
The officer in question would be justified in arresting her but incapacitating her with a jolt of potentially lethal electricity is a little extreme. Cops these days are turning to Tasers as a first resort rather than treating them as a weapon that can, and occasionally does, kill.
The officer in question would be justified in arresting her but incapacitating her with a jolt of potentially lethal electricity is a little extreme. Cops these days are turning to Tasers as a first resort rather than treating them as a weapon that can, and occasionally does, kill.
[…] Winkfein, the 72-year-old woman who was tasered in Texas earlier this year has accepted a settlement offer of $40,000 from Travis […]