Florissant — An Arnold police officer was suspended and then resigned Thursday after threatening a man at a White Castle while off duty earlier in the morning.
Police officer Christopher Hoelscher of Florissant had been on the Arnold force for about six months, authorities said.
A man told police Hoelscher was in the car behind him at the drive-through of the restaurant on Lindbergh Boulevard at Patterson Road when he got out of his SUV and started threatening him.
"The officer was in line to go through the White Castle, and he's behind the other car," explained Florissant Police Chief William Karabas. "For whatever reason, (the officer) gets angry and gets out of the car and starts shouting at him."
The man, who police did not identify, moved forward in his car. At this point, the stories differ, Karabas said.
Hoelscher told authorities the man got out of his car and pulled up his shirt to display a weapon. The man told police Hoelscher drew his service weapon without provocation and then kicked his car.
Florissant police were called to the restaurant. They grabbed Hoelscher and handcuffed him on the ground. He was arrested and brought to the Florissant police department.
The Florissant officers spotted Hoelscher's police uniform in his SUV. They later informed the Arnold police of what happened.
Hoelscher was not immediately charged and was later released. Karabas said Florissant police would present their case to the prosecuting attorney for possible charges.
2007-09-21 03:30:30 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
The city of New York alone has a police force of over 30,000 people. Chicago has 13, 500. The US has hundreds of thousands of police officers.
How can you judge hundreds of thousands of officers by the actions of one?
To the people that read this, and to the person asking this question, tell me what you do for a living. I wonder what percent of criminals your career field employs. I would like to see anyone give my a profession with less bad people than the law enforcement community.
But, police don't get judged by the 99.9 percent of good officers, because you expect them to be good and take this for granted. For some reason, they get judged by the .01% That do bad things. Does your profession have more than 99.9 percent of good people?
Unfortunately, the media only focus on the bad cops, because they make better news.
And, for the record, there are bad cops out there. Good cops don't like them either.
2007-09-21 03:45:34 · answer #1 · answered by trooper3316 7 · 5⤊ 2⤋
You cannot generalize like that. There are going to be bad apples in the barrel, and of course, they are the ones to make the news reports.
When was the last time you saw a story on an officer who arrested a drunk driver, or who gave CPR to a woman who attempted suicide? You will never hear about that in the paper . . .
Cops are everyday heroes who have to deal with crap from people like you - calling them pigs, and thinking that they are all corrupt . . .
2007-09-21 11:10:38 · answer #2 · answered by vinsa1981 3 · 4⤊ 1⤋
I fail to see what the problem is, not enough details here. Maybe the officer had a legitimate reason to be mad (they do exist after all) and if Hoelscher branded a weapon, that is not a smart move to do to a police officer.
You can't presume guilt either, that's not American justice.
2007-09-21 10:56:27 · answer #3 · answered by Pfo 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
They are not all crooked. Lets concentrate more on these lunatic officers who are getting too carried away with tazering people. I will no longer stand by and let this keep happening. Tazer people unwarrantly at your own risk officers! Cant believe some of you boys cant take down a woman when there are more than one of you there. There were no weapons involved but your own. We are getting tired of seeing this. I would watch the crowd around you if I were you!
2007-09-21 11:54:51 · answer #4 · answered by smokindoggy 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Yes police forces are out of control all around the world.
But this case seems to be an exception. He was arrested and suspended. He resigned and the police is going to prosecute him. Overall, I'd say that the system is working this time.
2007-09-21 13:28:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
While I agree that those in public service should be held to a higher standard, it's insane to think that EVERYONE in public service is automatically a Saint. Just pick your favorite Representative or Senator for reference. Anyway, I am sure that the first place you call is the local cop shop when your crack stash is stolen.
2007-09-21 11:17:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
"do as I say not as I do" is often taken out of context. When you a leader in charge, there are so many different situations when the normal rules don't apply.
2007-09-21 10:48:47 · answer #7 · answered by south of france 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
one cop, or one incident, is not a true representation of the thousands upon thousands of dedicated men and women in blue.
that's like saying 'i had a cousin once who picked his butt,...why do all cousins pick their butt?'
2007-09-21 12:04:33 · answer #8 · answered by The French Connection 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Oh I get it, you find one instance of an officer that is less than honest and all of a sudden we all are.
Great logic.
2007-09-21 10:40:47 · answer #9 · answered by Kevy 7 · 6⤊ 2⤋
he's not crooked, he's just a rookie and needs more time to manage his stress level and frustration. how he got past the mental exam in his training i have no idea...
2007-09-21 11:00:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋