Canton cop threatens to execute driver over weapons permit
Canton, Ohio police officer Daniel Harless has been placed on administrative leave following the release of dash cam video that showed him threatening the life of a driver who did not immediately provide notification of having a conceal weapons permit.
Ohioans for Concealed Carry, who released the video, said that William Bartlett made two attempts to notify the officer but was told not to speak.
“I have a carry…,” Bartlett began before being asked for his license.
“Why do you keep having that? What is that?” Harless asked about the concealed carry card Bartlett was trying to show him.
“Because I have a concealed carry,” Bartlett explained.
“Right now, the shit you just pulled, I should just blast you right in the mouth… I’m so close to caving in your god damn head…You fuck with me…You’re just a stupid human being,” Harless shouted.
“You want me to pull mine and stick it to your head?”
“I tell you what I should’ve done,” Harless later told Bartlett. “As soon as I saw your gun, I should have taken two steps back, pulled my Glock 40 and just put 10 bullets in your ass and let you drop. And I wouldn’t have lost any sleep.”
Bartlett was charged with two misdemeanors, failing to notify police of a concealed weapon and stopping in a roadway.
“I think it’s important for citizens to understand that the behavior demonstrated on the video is wholly unacceptable, and it violates many of our rules, our regulations and standards we demand of our officers,” Police Chief Dean McKimm said.
“The city administration, in conjunction with the police department, recognizes the seriousness of this matter.”
Since 2000, Canton’s internal affairs department has investigated Harless for 16 complaints, according to CantonRep.com.
In a 2003 case, Harless was exonerated of using excessive force, but was reprimanded for failing to activate in-car video.
Watch this video from Ohioans for Concealed Carry, uploaded to YouTube July 20, 2011.
Harold
why is he still a cop? i don’t believe anything other then a 30 day suspension with no pay and ordered to undergo a mental valuation is all they will give him.but it would be a mistake because the next time and it will be a next time with someone like him he will probably kill some people.FIRE THIS MADMAN TODAY BEFORE HE STRIKES AGAIN WITH DEADLY FORCE.
I am a big supporter of local police. However this video is horrific to say the least. The police officer, Daniel Harless is a scumbag! I cannot believe that a member of law enforcement would act in this manner. I feel so disgusted in the way this officer handled this stop I feel like throwing up. I have been in hairier situations while serving my country. I have been shot at, been shot, and still would never treat anyone the way this officer did. I hope this police officer is not only fired for his actions, but also has some civil suits against him for the way he acted.
LETS SEE YOU GUYS WALK THE STREETS DOWN TOWN AT NITGHT THE COP HAS MY SAPPORT ! ! !
NEED WE REMIND PEOPLE OF THE FEMALE LETTER CARRIER THAT WAS SHOT WALKING HER ROUTE ! MAKE HIM CAPTAIN !
Jay Are …..
You evidently didn’t watch or listen to the video. It’s plain as day! The “officer” threatened the driver at LEAST 3 TIMES with bodily harm INCLUDING putting his gun in the driver’s mouth and shooting him point blank. It doesn’t get any plainer than this.
What really pisses me off is they insist on “respect”. This person deserves ABSOLUTELY NO respect. He deserves to go to jail – DIRECTLY TO JAIL!!!
Shoulda, coulda, woulda, the fact is the officer didn’t threaten to execute the driver as the sensationalized headline reads. However, the officer’s conduct on this stop is absolutely outrageous and uncalled for. It is definitely conduct unbecoming, and he should be terminated as it certainly appears that he conducts himself like this at many stops !