Motorcyclist jailed for 26 hours for videotaping gun-wielding cop

April 16th, 2010 · 473 Comments

Maryland State Trooper Joseph David Uhler making a traffic stop

By Carlos Miller
After spending 26 hours in the Baltimore County Jail, Anthony Graber still doesn’t understand what he did wrong.

Sure, the 24-year-old man admits to speeding on his motorcycle, but does that merit having a plainclothes cop pull a gun on him?

Does that merit six state troopers raiding his parents’ home and seizing four computers at the crack of dawn?

Does that merit getting charged with a felony and threatened with five years in prison?

Of course it doesn’t

This is nothing but an obscene case of police intimidation. A Constitutional violation against a man who has served six years in the Air National Guard and who has never been arrested before.

A knee-jerk reaction from the Maryland State Police after Graber posted the video of the cop pulling a gun on him on Youtube (video is below).

That cop’s name is Joseph David Uhler, in case you were wondering. He has no business wearing a badge.

So how come he’s not being punished?

Well, we already know that answer. He’s above the law. They are above the law. The Maryland State Police Department, that is.

Why else would a judge sign a search warrant, allowing them to raid Graber’s parents home at 6:45 a.m. on a weekday, detaining his entire family for 90 minutes, forbidding his mother from going to work and younger sister from going to school while they rummaged through the family’s personal belongings?

And that judge’s name?

That’s a secret.

“There is no signature from the judge on the paperwork,” Graber said in an exclusive Photography is Not a Crime interview Thursday night, just hours after he was released from jail.

“They told me they don’t want you to know who the judge is because of privacy.

Is this America? Where cops are allowed to violate your Fourth Amendment rights – not to mention your First Amendment right to film them – on the approval of some secretive judge?

Well maybe not all judges agree.

“The judge who released me looked at the paperwork and said she didn’t see where I violated the wiretapping law.”

Ah yes, the wiretapping charge. That old standby that cops use when you happen to videotape them in public while they are on duty when they have absolutely no expectation of privacy.

Sure, the First Amendment supposedly allows us to photograph police in public. Numerous court rulings have determined that.

But now cops have turned to irrelevant wire-tapping charges to crack down against those who video them in public.

Those laws are designed to protect people whose voices are recorded in telephone calls. You know, when you actually have an expectation of privacy.

Fortunately, most judges end up throwing these charges out of court when the cops don’t have an expectation of privacy.

The case against Graber began on March 5 when he was speeding on his 2008 Honda CBR 1000RR motorcycle on Interstate 95. He had a video camera strapped to his helmet and was filming the ride.

He sped past Uhler’s unmarked car, who claimed he was popping a wheelie while traveling 100 mph.

And Uhler was only “visually estimating” his speed. He did not have a radar gun, which usually means it wouldn’t stand up in court.

Graber also admits to speeding past a marked car. However, he never heard any sirens behind him and even at one point in the video where Graber looks back, the only car behind him is Uhler’s unmarked car with no lights.

That was when Graber was already exiting the interstate. When he came to a complete stop behind the other cars at the exit, Uhler cut him off and hopped out of his car with a gun drawn, never flashing a badge and not identifying himself as an officer until several seconds later.

Uhler never mentioned that he pulled out his gun in his report.

But he did mention that he spotted “a strange looking object on the operator’s helmet that was later realized to be a video camera.”

The camera Graber was wearing when he was pulled over

And he did mention that he cited Graber a single citation for traveling 80 mph in a 65 mph zone.

So what’s the problem?

Well, Graber decided to post the video on Youtube, which made Uhler look like a thug.

In fact, if you look at the video, you’ll notice Uhler glance at the marked unit behind Graber and moved his gun behind him, as if trying to hide it from the other officer, before tucking it back into his pocket.

After all, an officer is only supposed to pull out his gun if he believes his life is in danger. Surely, that doesn’t happen with every traffic stop. Does it?

Ten days later, Uhler discovered that Graber posted the video online. Two videos. A longer one without audio and a shorter one with audio.

That prompted Uhler to issue an arrest warrant against Graber, citing that “Graber did not inform Tfc. Uhler that he was recording him by video or audio, thus violating criminal law 10-402(b).”

He also tacked on the charges of “reckless driving” and “negligent driving” to the arrest warrant.

And then six cops raided his parent’s home where Graber is living early one morning.

“They spent 90 minutes there,” he said.

“My mom had to go to work and they wouldn’t let her. My sister had to go to school and they wouldn’t let her.

“I just had gall bladder surgery and had bandages on my stomach.”

In fact, after a phone call to the commissioner, that was the only reason they didn’t arrest him on the spot. They told him he had to turn himself in when he got better, which he did.

“I just wanted to do the right thing,” he said.

When he showed up to the jail, they set his bond at $15,000, which is a little extravagant considering there is a maximum $10,000 fine for a wiretapping conviction.

He spent 26 hours in jail before he was released upon his own recognizance. The judge who released him took one look at the report and said that it didn’t appear he violated the wiretapping law.

“She said, ‘I have no idea why you’re charged with this’,” he said.

In fact, Maryland requires there to be an expectation of privacy in order to make that charge valid, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

State courts interpreted laws to protect communications only when parties have a reasonable expectation of privacy

The incident has left Graber with a serious distrust of police.

“I’m now afraid of the police. Afraid of what they can do to me. I’ve never been arrested in my life before this,” he said.

He is now making arrangements to sell his motorcycle because he doesn’t feel comfortable riding it anymore.

And he is waiting for his preliminary trial to see if prosecutors will decide to pursue this case.

And as for Uhler, well he’s still roaming free to terrorize the citizens. Just as he did in Graber’s video below. And below that is the arrest warrant, which did not come out great but I am working on producing a better quality version with his Graber’s personal info redacted.

AnthonyGraber

Popularity: 51% [?]

Tags: First Amendment

473 responses so far ↓

1 Difster // Apr 16, 2010 at 4:06 AM

Stupid THUG COP. I know you’re reading this. Not only shouldn’t you have a badge, you should be locked up for assault with a deadly weapon. You didn’t identify yourself as a cop before you pulled your weapon. If I did that, I’d be in jail since I’m not a cop. You probably feel like you have to make up for certain “anatomical shortcomings” by waving your gun around and intimidating people.

Get off the force and go do something that won’t endanger the life and liberty of other people. Start with moving to the Australian outback where you’re not within 100 miles of anyone.
2 Roger Krueger // Apr 16, 2010 at 4:40 AM

Guilty: Contempt of cop.
Sentence: 26 hours in jail and indefinite loss of computer equipment.
Judge: J. Uhler
Jurors: J. Uhler, J. Uhler, J. Uhler, J. Uhler, J. Uhler, J. Uhler, J. Uhler, J. Uhler, J. Uhler, J. Uhler, J. Uhler, J. Uhler
Appeal: N/A

He’s already been tried, convicted and punished. Too often there’s zero protection against this sort of cowboy justice as long as there’s some shred of probable cause.

Although, hint hint, if the officer wrote you way less than he could have, you seriously need to think twice about pissing him off while he can still add charges.
3 Shawn // Apr 16, 2010 at 7:02 AM

I really hope that he files a lawsuit.
4 Mark Kalan // Apr 16, 2010 at 7:16 AM

Can’t wait to hear how much the cash settlement is for this one!
Mark Kalan´s last blog ..Kodak Kodachrome Motion Picture Test
5 MM // Apr 16, 2010 at 7:20 AM

Any more details about this J Uhler? Just one more that shouldn’t have a badge.

http://www.google.com/search?q=j+uhler+maryland
6 Michaelk42 // Apr 16, 2010 at 7:23 AM

It’s too bad someone who’s actually been in the armed forces and fought terrorism isn’t allowed to fight terrorists like J. Uhler.
Michaelk42´s last blog ..Getting somewhere, before we forget
7 NoGusta // Apr 16, 2010 at 7:42 AM

Here is the website for the Maryland State Police:

http://www.mdsp.org/

Here are contacts: Maryland State Police Headquarters 1201 Reisterstown Road Pikesville, Maryland 21208

(410) 653-4200 (800) 525-5555 (410) 486-0677 (TDD)

And since the state’s governor & lt. governor is at the top of that website it means he is the one we have to contact to complain:

http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/

http://www.governor.maryland.gov/mail/ltdefault.asp

Please be courteous & professional when you call or write to complain.
8 Workingindust // Apr 16, 2010 at 8:52 AM

Can anybody here clarify that if a warrant doesn’t have a judges signature on it then it isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on?

If this is the case then J. Uhler and his cohorts just made the most asshat move of their entire careers.

What a douche!
Workingindust´s last blog ..After Ride Party
9 mepsipax // Apr 16, 2010 at 9:23 AM

Absolutely police intimidation. They should be punished but never will be.
mepsipax´s last blog ..Looking for love
10 Tom Joad // Apr 16, 2010 at 9:26 AM

In reading the original post about this incident, it appears that Graber paid the fines for his driving and the case was closed. Now they are charging him with reckless driving and negligent driving. It seems to me that he has answered for his driving. Doesn’t this amount to “Double jeopardy” and violate his Fifth Amendment rights?
11 The Straw Buyer // Apr 16, 2010 at 9:33 AM

“Well, we already know that answer. He’s above the law. They are above the law. ”

Exactly, their unions are way to strong, at worst the cop will get transferred or suspended with pay. This $hit has to stop.

You have to wonder, what would have happened if the camera wasn’t rolling? I was stopped last week by an overzealous cop while driving a car with a dealers tag on it, the cop had the nerve to tell me that he could have arrested me on the spot for TAX EVASION!

If I only had video…
The Straw Buyer´s last blog ..What’s the damn rush Detective Baluja?
12 _Don // Apr 16, 2010 at 9:48 AM

Jeeze I’d be calling the real cops if some guy jumps out of a car brandishing a gun and claiming to be a cop. He didn’t even show his badge! Or do they only to that on T.V.?

I certainly hope there are charges filed against this “police officer”.
13 Drake Dun // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:07 AM

“Graber did not inform Tfc. Uhler that he was recording him by video or audio, thus violating criminal law 10-402(b).”

http://www.michie.com/maryland/lpext.dll?f=templates&fn=main-h.htm&2.0

§ 10-402. Removing human remains without authority.

Am I missing something, here?
14 i need a job // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:17 AM

Crazy, won’t be long before everyone wears a helmet cam just to protect themselves.
15 boris // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:20 AM

There needs to be a nationwide group, with legal teeth, to punish the abuse of police power.

We need to press this NOW because this may be the most liberal administration we will see in our lifetimes.
16 Larry // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:21 AM

“The video, however, disproves that he was popping a wheelie.” Just to clarify Mr. Graber did indeed wheelie his motorcycle and my own speed judgment estimate is in excess of 100mph. I base this on being an experienced hooligan.

As to the rest? BULLSHIT!!!!
17 Larry // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:27 AM

BTW I meant the Gestapo’s actions. Not the article.
18 Boondoggie // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:28 AM

The cop is lucky he wasn’t in a free state where the citizens are permitted to exercise their God given constitutional right to bear arms. Cops tend to be more polite in those areas. The good citizens of MD have gotten exactly the kind of police behavior they’ve asked for.
19 Jay // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:42 AM

Fire the cop. Fire the judge.
20 Concerned Citizen // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:43 AM

I feel sorry for our grandparents or parents who put their lives on the line to make this a free country. Now it’s a political wasteland of lies and corruption.. I don’t trust Cops, I mean Thieves.. cause really that’s what Cop means.. you ever hear the terms “Cop a Squat” or “Cop a Feel?” those terms are referring to taking something..

I’m pondering taking my businesses and intelligence to another country. It may not be as “free” or “powerful” as this great country. At least when I hear about this sort of thing it’ll be understandable. Right now I am with the understanding that we are in a free country, when I read stories like this one I get very confused. I hate being confused about something that so directly affects my life.

FUCK THE CORRUPT POLICE I’M OUT!
21 Alex J // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:48 AM

Why do LEOs always escalate situations like this? The motorcyclist was speeding and payed the fine. The officer made a mistake and didn’t identify himself before drawing his weapon, and faced some public humiliation via youtube. It should have been left there, but the officer brings some trumped up charges and blows the whole situation out of hand.
22 Concerned Joe // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:00 AM

Can you please post any contact info you have for the court / police station so we can express our outrage about this incident to the proper people.
23 Jo Diggs // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:09 AM

Its PUNK cops like this that make me rejoice every time some stupid cop gets clipped in the line of duty!

Lou
http://www.security-tools.us.tc
24 Steve // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:26 AM

This could have so easily ended in the biker being shot or sentenced to death, because he tried to escape/fight what appeared, rightfully so, to be a gun wielding maniac with road rage. Not to justify the bikers driving, but an unmarked police car and a plain clothes officer looks no different than a thug with a gun…
Steve´s last blog ..Consumer Guide to Lift Chairs
25 Tyler // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:29 AM

I think that, assuming all these facts are true, it would support a malicious prosecution claim in Maryland. The tort has four elements.
1) a criminal proceeding instituted or
continued by the defendant against the
plaintiff; 2) without probable cause; 3) with
malice, or with a motive other than to bring
the offender to justice; and 4) termination of
the proceeding in favor of the plaintiff.

Heron v. Strader, 361 Md. 258, 264, 761 A.2d 56 (2000)

Tell that man to lawyer up and fuck the police
26 Tyler // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:31 AM

I think that, assuming all these facts are true, it would support a malicious prosecution claim in Maryland. The tort has four elements.
1) a criminal proceeding instituted or
continued by the defendant against the
plaintiff; 2) without probable cause; 3) with
malice, or with a motive other than to bring
the offender to justice; and 4) termination of
the proceeding in favor of the plaintiff.

Heron v. Strader, 361 Md. 258, 264, 761 A.2d 56 (2000)

Tell that man to lawyer up
27 Dave // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:33 AM

Since it sounds like you have already had contact w/Graber, can you get a copy of the police report and the warrant and put them up? Redacting personal info such as addresses and such. Or maybe there is someone there in the area that can do that? I really want to see that “secret judge” warrant. I have never, ever heard of or seen that. Actually I really want to see all those docs.
28 dave // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:38 AM

I also really want to see if a DA was involved with the charging docs and warrant. If so, someone needs to file a complaint with the state bar, violation of rule 3.8:

“The prosecutor in a criminal case shall refrain from prosecuting a charge that the prosecutor knows is not supported by probable cause”

It is pretty clear that there is no probable cause to support the wiretapping charge and the purpose of the charge is simply to intimidate and threaten. Any prosecutor involved should be facing the disciplinary committee for this type of malicious prosecution. Joseph Uhler should be fired.
29 Carlos Miller // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:54 AM

I just posted part of the warrant where it described the offenses. Quality is not great. I will try to post a better version. It’s at the bottom of the article.
30 ANON // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:57 AM

JOSEPH DAVID UHLER
34 ROCK HOLLOW CT
ELKTON, MD 21921-7673
CECIL COUNTY

443-406-7439

Note from Editor: This comment has been reposted after a Florida judge struck down a law as unconstitutional forbidding the publication of police officer’s home addresses.
31 redawn // Apr 16, 2010 at 12:03 PM

i hope this wakes up the poor guy who got charged. . .this is the government you served in the military. . .these are the people you protected. . .

and every time some blowhard melon headed marine whines about the liberal scum and how they hate their fellow americans because we are not boot licking military types. . .and how if the government came down on the american people you all would be on their side.. .so would every crooked cop out there. . .

the constitution begins with “we the people” and the oath politicians, cops, and the military take is to defend the constitution. . .(we the people) against all enemies. . .foreign and domestic.
32 J. Uhler // Apr 16, 2010 at 12:12 PM

Info on the thug cop:

Name: Uhler, Joseph D

Badge #: 3316 TFC

Work Location (2008): Golden Ring Barrack
33 Shawn // Apr 16, 2010 at 12:13 PM

::raises eyebrow:: I’d sure like to know the justification for that one.
34 Shawn // Apr 16, 2010 at 12:20 PM

redawn, my brother is a former Marine, and is most certainly not like that. Not everyone is the same.
35 Sam // Apr 16, 2010 at 12:29 PM

Could this be the filthy fucker?

Phonebook results for j uhler maryland

J Uhler (301) 596-4849 6818 Carlinda Ave, Columbia, MD 21046-1109 Map
36 Alex J // Apr 16, 2010 at 12:30 PM

Where do you think probable cause comes into play? The DA would be going off the officers word that he was secretly recorded and the video, w/audio, was on youtube. Probable cause was met.

Now you could get into the statute being interpreted wrongly (ie the officer’s expectation of privacy and the recording wasn’t secret) but that is a separate
issue from PC.
37 Yizmo Gizmo // Apr 16, 2010 at 12:34 PM

This reminds me of the very
drunk cop in PA who was talking about the
dying guy he saw clucking like a chicken or something offensive
and then finding out it was all recorded
and on youtube. Internal affairs went to the
alleged youtube-poster’s house and
intimidated the guy and ended
up getting up in deep doo-doo in the process.
The cover up is always worse than the crime.
38 Anon // Apr 16, 2010 at 12:35 PM

He won an award in 2003

Maryland State Trooper of the Year: Trooper First Class Joseph D. Uhler
39 Agile Cyborg // Apr 16, 2010 at 12:43 PM

You mean courteous and professional like the prick cop in the video and the prick judge who allowed the gulag guards to raid this man’s home over a speeding ticket?
40 Anon // Apr 16, 2010 at 1:25 PM

Uhler’s dept email is goldenring@mdsp.org
41 weeman // Apr 16, 2010 at 1:49 PM

If someone cut me off and drew a gun while I was riding, there’d be a dead person on camera. MANY riders carry concealed.
42 Jason Quest // Apr 16, 2010 at 1:50 PM

Good cops don’t mind having their activities recorded. The ones I know are actually proud of how they conduct themselves.

An incompetent future-garbage-collector such as Mister Uhler is another story.
43 Bert Jones // Apr 16, 2010 at 1:52 PM

Jesus. Is anyone doing anything about this incident? We’re spreading the news as best we can about this officer.
44 Bert Jones // Apr 16, 2010 at 1:56 PM

Thanks and keep up the good work. Your site will get many hits today.
45 AZED // Apr 16, 2010 at 1:57 PM

I can see the officer getting excited and overreacting. That is something that is addressable and should be corrected with training. Keeping the signature from the judge hidden is an affront to justice. Aberrant behaviour needs to be addressable, not cloaked in the secercy of government for the sake of government.
46 Mark Kalan // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:01 PM

I too feel that not having the judges signature on the warrant is an affront to the Constitution – It also makes me suspicious that the warrant was never actually signed by a judge. As I said before; I can’t wait to hear about the settlement for this one. NYC photographers are routinely getting 20-30K for being harassed by cops…this incident smells of 6-figures to me.
47 Alex J // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:02 PM

In addition to the expectation of privacy issue that courts have held, there are also a couple other possible problems.

Under maryland § 10-402 you have to “intercept” oral communications which could mean that it would have to be covert (which it wasn’t in this case). Michigan has this view, though they use the word “eavesdrop.”

The officer also stated in the arrest report that he saw “a strange looking object on the operator’s helmet that was later realized to be a video camera.” This could be view as implied consent, because the officer was aware of the camera and didn’t bring any issue he had with in up.

Lastly, the practical considerations: no way that the officer lets him turn off the camera till well into the traffic stop, and the video doesn’t go beyond the first part of the stop. This is the weakest because under the statute it could be viewed the the recording was legal but the disclosure was not.
48 John Dodge // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:07 PM

The cop was a total a**hole and way overreacted. He had uniformed cops in a marked car right there. Flashing the badge and ordering the rider to shut down would have been sufficient. If the cop had not been such a tool, the rider’s video would not have been an issue. Recording police activity is onky an offence when it interferes with an ongoing investigation.
49 @Tom Joad // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:08 PM

@Tom Joad

It probably does not violate his fifth admendment rights since he posted the video publicly, and not compelled to provide the video; double jeopardy maybe but speeding and reckless driving are different law violations. It would be like saying charging someone with kidnapping and murder could not be tried separately if committed in sequence.

This is by no means defending the cop, frankly I believe he should lose his job (or at least be punished, none of that suspended with pay crap) for what he did, drawing his gun without reason, failure to identify himself as a police officer and the followup harassment is outrageous. If someone cut me off like that and got out of his car with gun drawn, I would probably try to run him over and flee for my life. Hell, just someone cutting me off (in an unmarked car) and opening their door would make me take off on my bike.
50 phatbieu // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:09 PM

why people just make a big deal of it? think of a case where this guys danced on the freeway with 100mph. What happen to mothers, kids, good people sharing with him the road? how many people will die if he caused accident?
go to jail!
51 johnny // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:15 PM

Welcome to The United Fascists of America
52 dave // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:17 PM

@ Alex J.

Probable cause exists when “the facts and circumstances within the arresting officer’s knowledge are sufficient to warrant a prudent person to believe that a suspect has committed, is committing, or is about to commit a crime.” United States v. Hoyos, 892 F.2d 1387, 1392 (9th Cir. 1989), cert. denied, 489 U.S. 825 (1990) (citing United States v. Greene, 783 F.2d 1364, 1367 (9th Cir. 1986), cert. denied, 476 U.S. 1185 (1986)).

While that is a little different context than PC for the purpose of a DA to attempt to prosecute, it is the exact same principle. The statute in this case isn’t open to being “interpreted wrongly” because the MD Supreme Court has issued several opinions on this issue, which other people have already cited. If this wiretapping statute could be “interpreted wrongly” to include public speech in a public place with no expectation of privacy, than anytime a PO (or not just a PO, but anyone the statute is not specific to PO’s) walked in front of a surveillance camera someone would be committing a felony. If a DA could shirk his professional responsibility by claiming that they “interpreted” the statute wrongly, even though they were clearly ignoring the proscribed application of the statute, there wouldn’t be much point in having a PC requirement as part of the professional code, would there? I don’t know if there was a DA involve. Other bloggers have produced a DA’s name, but DA’s are usually not (but sometimes can be) involved until an arrest is made or a sworn affidavit for arrest is submitted. Until I see paperwork with a DA’s name on it that none was involved, and I am inclined that this cop went rogue and saw red and didn’t even get his arrest warrant signed making it in the words of GWB “just a goddamn piece of paper” Just for argument, if a DA were involved in this situation and he/she ignored very clear case law on this issue to pursue a prosecution, and it did not violate the PC requirement of the professional code, what circumstances would the PC requirement be violated?
53 imominous // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:24 PM

More and more, cops seem to be terribly offended if you videotape them.

Rodney King, beaten to the ground by LAPD.
Ian Tomlinson, assaulted by London cops. He later died.

They don’t want records of their bad behavior, because it can be used as evidence against them, and cause riots and public outrage.

KEEP THOSE CAMERAS ROLLING!
54 Rob // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:27 PM

I agree with everything but the bit about the wheelie. He absolutely did, it’s in the video. Watch the motorcycle as it accelerates into the high-speed section. The front wheel clearly lifts off the ground.
55 dave // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:28 PM

@ Sam

That is contact info for a James, not Joseph Uhler. Police officers are almost always unlisted, but the correct contact info is available through public records.

I looked it up, but hesitant to post the home address and number of someone on the net, even that of a thuggish piece of shit like Mr. Uhler.
56 imominous // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:33 PM

I don’t think popping a wheelie justifies having a gun drawn on you. That cop probably watched too many biker gang movies from the 50s.
57 Alex J // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:50 PM

I hope I didn’t give the impression that I think the police and persecutor are in the right. I think that the case will be thrown out and that he has a decent shot at winning a civil suit.

But, a prudent person _could_ say that he violated § 10-402(a)(1) with how broadly it is written. Generally with a case this specific, an officer or prudent person wouldn’t be required to have knowledge of the specific court cases. That is all they need considering how much deference the court gives to officers.

Taking video of someone never was prohibited by statute only ‘any wire, oral, or electronic communication.” The audio (oral communication) is the issue here.
58 Smellslike Bacon // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:53 PM

http://casesearch.courts.state.md.us

Search for Uhler, J and organize by filing date! This pig has a hell of an arrest record!
59 SUFAQ.com // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:54 PM

I keep hearing claims that “not all cops are corrupt in the U.S.”

If that is the case, then where are the cops who should be arresting the corrupt cops?

Police aren’t evil outside the U.S. They still smile and shake your hand. Random tazings and arrests would not be tolerated in most countries. The U.K. and Australia seem to be doing just as much evil as the U.S. by police, but the rest of the world is still relatively free.

If you think you are stuck in the U.S. because of health, finances or the government refusing you a passport, you should now that there is an underground railroad operating on the west coast helping people escape without money or passport. They even help people get healthy again.

Just get out while you still can!
60 Josh Saint Jacque // Apr 16, 2010 at 2:57 PM

Astonishing, this will be thrown out faster than that cop pulls out his gun. I hope the cops are sued for tens of thousands of dollars for abuse of power and intimidation.
Josh Saint Jacque´s last blog ..LOST IS ON TONIGHT!
61 Rusty Carr // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:08 PM

Just once, just ONCE I’d like to see somebody collect a cool million for this kind of legal thuggary. As a matter of fact, it’d tickle me pink if $1M was the MINIMUM award for cases like this.
62 Tony // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:09 PM

Im outraged by this article as much as all of you guys are but dont discredit the good officers out there. The good ones put their life on the line everyday and truly do make an effort to serve and protect. So if there is a problem in your PD, then make an effort to go complain. With enough complaints an officer may be fired or taken off the force. And if this happens, its unlikely they will be picked up by another department because it doesnt look good in any department to have a bad cop.
Im not saying its easy to remove a cop from the force, but to complain and not do anything is worse.
63 blindjustice // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:12 PM

Im outraged by this article as much as all of you guys are but dont discredit the good officers out there. The good ones put their life on the line everyday and truly do make an effort to serve and protect. So if there is a problem in your PD, then make an effort to go complain. With enough complaints an officer may be fired or taken off the force. And if this happens, its
unlikely they will be picked up by another department because it doesnt look good in any department to have a bad cop.
Im not saying its easy to remove a cop from the force, but to complain and not do anything is worse.

and to answer the above question as of who arrests bad cops?
=internal affairs. give them a holler and see if they do an investigation on this case.
64 Giovanni // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:12 PM

To any Lawyers who read this…..Is it possible to get Federal Injunctions against the enforcement of these “witetapping” laws on the grounds that they are too vague or in some cases unconstitutional. We have seen before the use of Injunctions to stop laws from being put into effect (laws in California targeted at illegal immigration for instance). How can Federal injunctions be requested, applied for, etc to stop this Police tactic immediately?
65 Steve // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:19 PM

go call up Donna Lieberman at the ACLU in NYC and sue the a*(&%#$*s.
66 Ash // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:22 PM

I did a little bit of research because the statute that you provided did not make much sense. This is what I was able to find.

This is from a Maryland government page.

http://mlis.state.md.us/asp/web_statutes.asp?gcj&10-402
67 Yizmo Gizmo // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:27 PM

Good question, Giovanni
The good news here, I suppose, is I have never seen this type of (BS) wiretapping charge
go to trial, much less get a conviction.
They’re in a hole and digging themselves deeper.

They pulled this on another guy here:
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/june2007/120607Wiretapping.htm
68 Rusty Carr // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:30 PM

“Secretly recorded”? Fer Chrissake the frigg’n video camera was stick’n up on the top of the guy’s helmet!! How “secret” is that?
69 Josh Saint Jacque // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:35 PM

First of all, he was on a bike so he is likely to absorb most of the damage should he get into a wreck. Second, he was cited for 80 in a 65, 15 over. Not exactly reckless endangerment, and even the cop admits there was no radar, only his hunch. He could probably fight the ticket and even beat that because there is no way of knowing how fast he was going.

If he deserved to have a gun pulled on him then so do most motorists who’ve ever sped 10 or 15 over on the highway.
Josh Saint Jacque´s last blog ..LOST IS ON TONIGHT!
70 Anthony // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:41 PM

This is the same thing the judge said when I had my bail review trial. They had the wrong code on my paperwork. CR 10-402 instead of CJ 10-402. Hilarious!
71 I hate cops too // Apr 16, 2010 at 3:55 PM

Joseph Uhler (410) 866-3867 8114 Philadelphia Rd,Rosedale, MD 21237-2849
72 Justin Williams // Apr 16, 2010 at 4:09 PM

In the last few frames of the youTube video you can clearly see a police car behind the motorcyclist, with its door open and a police officer approaching the motorcyclist.

While I am not defending the conduct of the officers, it seems a little strange that this aspect of the story was omitted.
73 Rusty Carr // Apr 16, 2010 at 4:54 PM

Somehow, phatbieu, you’ve managed to let the entire point of this episode slip right by you. OK now, pay attention, here’s what makes this such a big deal. The victim here is not opposed to getting a ticket and paying a fine for legitimate offenses. BUT, we have a rogue cop here who pulls him over in an UNMARKED car, exits WITHOUT showing a badge and/or wearing a uniform, FAILS to identify himself as a police officer and without good cause DRAWS HIS SIDEARM!! Then, to pile more crap on top of this dismal performance he comes up with some phony baloney search warrant signed by a “secret” judge resulting in the rape of several people’s rights against unreasonable search and seizure because the motorcyclist posted a video of the stop on U-Tube, and bases it on the idiotic claim that he was video taped without his knowledge even though the video camera was mounted on the motorcyclist’s helmet in plain sight for anybody around to see!! Mr. phatbieu, the cop is a thug with a badge and represents a danger to the liberty of any person with whom he has contact. If that ain’t plain enough for you then please go to a local junior college and take a course entitled “Introduction to Basic Logic”.
74 Rusty Carr // Apr 16, 2010 at 5:03 PM

The last time I checked people were not trying to “escape” the US. We have an ongoing problem with illegal aliens if the media is anywhere NEAR accurate. And as for all those sweet police in countries other than the US, UK and Aus., man you must’ve just flown in from another galaxy!!
75 Frustrated at this... // Apr 16, 2010 at 5:11 PM

Let me tell you a little about cops like this:
1. Usually lucky to be a HS grad
2. Usually divorced (cheat and beat)
3. Drinks, and usually drive self home.
4. Mad at the world (sees no real future for himself after about 30 yoa)
5. Cannot handle even a moment of “disrespect”, and will destroy your life if you even dare to say the wrong thing to them.
6. Will drive 45 in a 30, but ticket fellow citizens the next day for doing the same.
7. This list goes on and on…
To you sir I say…hypocrisy carries a steeper price that you realize. Too bad you’ll realize this far too late, as you are obviously small…very, very, laughably small. Enjoy what’s left of your insignificant mediocrity.
76 Rusty Carr // Apr 16, 2010 at 5:11 PM

A call to the state Attorney General’s office might get better results.
77 Rusty Carr // Apr 16, 2010 at 5:12 PM

I don’t hate cops. I hate criminal behavior carried out under the cover of a badge.
78 Mindy Graber // Apr 16, 2010 at 5:22 PM

It was signed Mark, I actually asked to see the signed copy and was allowed to look at it briefly and then we were given an unsigned copy. The reason we were given was that because of privacy we weren’t able to have a signed copy.
79 NY 3L // Apr 16, 2010 at 5:24 PM

The prosecuting attorney should have been aware that the officer had no expectation of privacy, thereby making the charge improper.

A search warrant is invalid without a judge’s signature.

Lastly, I sincerely hope that someone who can get in touch with Mr. Graber can suggest that consult an attorney.
80 Mindy Graber // Apr 16, 2010 at 5:35 PM

Justin, it wasn’t omitted, it was actually stated that when the undercover police officer saw the police car and officer behind him, he nonchalantly put the gun away.
81 Mindy Graber // Apr 16, 2010 at 5:36 PM

Carlos,

Thank you for writing and posting this article!

Mindy
82 Roger Krueger // Apr 16, 2010 at 6:17 PM

Sure it’ll be thrown out. That’s not the point. The cop has already gotten his revenge with the 26 hours in jail and the home search.
83 Roger Krueger // Apr 16, 2010 at 6:22 PM

I have a sneaky hunch internal affairs and/or a commanding officer has already seen this video and is in fact the reason Mr. Uhler is so bent on revenge.
84 Q.Allen // Apr 16, 2010 at 6:27 PM

Ok…i want to know why this tiny little cop waited almost three minutes…and multiple miles to pull him over…if he is in his “unmarked” car and not his personal car…then why didnt he just pull him over…turn on the lights…you can plainly see the car in the beginning of the video….and i know Graber wasnt going any faster than 80 so why couldnt the cop catch up to him and pull him over….im guessing he was trying to gain a bit more privacy on an exit ramp without tons of motorists driving by…he was probably going to try some more funny business to make himself feel like a man…he should be fired…period…unions should be dismantled and he should be fired….and heavily sued by Mr. Graber for misconduct…im hoping something is going on with this…
85 Tony // Apr 16, 2010 at 6:40 PM

I am always ready to cut cops some slack because they have a hard job and have to deal with a lot of idiots, but this is just ridiculous and this cop should be dismissed. There are too many cops that seem to believe that their job allows them to behave like bullies.

First of all, this is all about his ego, not any reasonable risk to anyone else. Secondly, as the guy on a motorcycle obviously doesn’t have a weapon, and cannot conceal one or even put his finger on a trigger while wearing gloves, it is completely insane for this cop to pull out a gun in this circumstance. Thirdly, it’s not immediately obvious this guy is a cop at all, there are a lot of people out there that have an irrational hatred of motorcyclists and the best way of dealing with them is to get away as quickly as possible, which is what the victim probably should have done in this case instead of stopping.
86 Drake Dun // Apr 16, 2010 at 7:53 PM

So the officer or article had the right section, but of the wrong article. Thanks for sorting that out!
87 Bert Jones // Apr 16, 2010 at 8:06 PM

How ’bout the judge that signed the search order? Shouldn’t he get called on the carpet as well?
88 Reality Check // Apr 16, 2010 at 8:31 PM

That first photo is so scary, and not because the cop wanted it to be.

There’s a civilian car with a civilian dressed man who got out of it. That man is holding a gun and coming in my direction. It’s a situation that I would hate to find myself in because I would assume I was being attacked. My reaction would be to defend myself using deadly force.

This cop should be happy he’s alive if this is how he conducts himself when he is on plain clothes duty.
89 redawn // Apr 16, 2010 at 8:54 PM

i hope not. . .it is about split down the middle from the limited amount i have heard. . .but those that are ‘we will fight the scum even in this country’ are scary. . .sadly way scarier than the other 50%.
90 SUFAQ.com // Apr 16, 2010 at 9:16 PM

If the media is anywhere NEAR accurate… I suppose.

40 million Americans have already escaped. Mexican coyotes are smuggling both Mexican and American nationals OUT of the United States. The immigration rate to the U.S. is now negative.

Yet, the media controls propaganda within the U.S., but it is fairly well known that there is a mass exodus away from the U.S.

There are even entire sites devoted to helping Americans Escape from America. You should be able to get past the media propaganda by using the Internet. Here are some sites that might be useful:

http://www.EscapeFromAmerica.com
http://www.EscapeArtist.com
http://www.SovereignSociety.com
http://www.LivingAbroad.com

There are hundreds of thousands of people subscribing to those publications. The backlog for passports is over a year. If you haven’t even heard of the exodus from the United States, you better get reading before it’s too late.

I have lived in 11 countries since leaving myself. I can assure you that police ouside of Canada, the U.S., the U.K. and Australia are not engaging in the behavior reported on this site.

Haven’t you noticed that yet? Look through this site. All of the stories are from those countries that people are leaving in droves.
91 Happy Tinfoil Cat // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:26 PM

I’d like to know when or if his family ever gets their computers back. In similar cases, the oinkers return them after the computers attain museum status (& if sued successfully).
92 Rob // Apr 16, 2010 at 10:32 PM

I just don’t know what to make of this now. I wonder if the the cops involved, Uhler in particular, think what is going on is happening inside a vacuum.

I think Uhler pulled his gun out initially because cops act differently when they think no one is recording them. A cop at an arrest does not act like a cop at a press conference. A cop in the middle of a rural Maryland road, away from the thousands of cameras that stare at everyone in the city, in an unmarked car with no dash-cam will feel well within their rights to do what Uhler did.

Maybe the cops haven’t even realized that what they are doing has been picked up and is fairly popular on the internet. Just like Uhler thought no one would ever see what he did, maybe he and his cohorts don’t even know that the internet has ALREADY been talking about it.

They would have some tall explaining to do then.
Rob´s last blog ..Seaport Village At Sunset
93 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:19 PM

My only question is did the marked unit have a dash cam with a/v recording in progress? If so I believe all 3 parties knew they were being recorded, by default. I’m not an attorney. If I draw a weapon in public I would be charged with reckless display of a firearm. Therefore, I believe the Trooper didn’t have an expectancy of privacy. Since Anthony had a camera mounted on his helmet, I would think it would be implied and acknowledged that he was recording or possibly recording.
94 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:26 PM

That was hilarious.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
95 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 16, 2010 at 11:47 PM

Did Joseph formerly ride sportbikes?
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
96 cornerMAN // Apr 17, 2010 at 12:13 AM

Wow, that feels like Nazi Germany, 1939. The name fits, too .. Herr Uhler.
97 Jon Quimbly // Apr 17, 2010 at 12:17 AM

A warrant without a judge’s signature may be invalid. Warrants must also be accompanied by a sworn affidavit of probable cause (the 4th amendment requires this.) Does your copy of the warrant include an affidavit?

It’s certainly possible that the police who executed the raid on your home did not have a proper warrant issued by a judge. There is no provision for protecting a judge’s privacy when it comes to warrants (this sounds bogus to me.)

Quite the opposite, warrants must be issued by a judge, with a signature (depends upon your state’s laws), and they become part of the public record of the court. That’s so you can challenge the warrant in front of the judge who issued it.

If it’s true that the police didn’t have a proper warrant, you may be entitled to compensation, and to request sanctions against the police who executed the raid, particularly if it was done intentionally (in bad faith.)

Does the warrant identify the court that issued it? If not, that’s another another strike.

Show the copy you received to your attorney and ask her/him to have it quashed/vacated and your possessions returned immediately. If you don’t have an attorney yet, I suggest that you contact Carlos to see if he can drum up a recommendation.

The raid must’ve been scary, but don’t let them intimidate you (that may be what they’re after.) You might have the upper hand right now, if the warrant is invalid.
98 SJ // Apr 17, 2010 at 12:21 AM

The officer couldn’t know that the biker _wasn’t_ armed and/or going to shoot immediately. The officer at no time pointed his weapon at the biker. As soon as he saw that the biker wasn’t armed, he holstered his weapon. Maybe the biker shouldn’t have been doing 80. I have no problem with the officer’s behavior.
99 leron // Apr 17, 2010 at 12:22 AM

Oh, please. The idiot on the crotch rocket hits at least 110 as he’s passing the bus and pops at least three wheelies, including one just after he passes the cop’s car. He passes numerous civilian vehicles on all sides with no room for error. And he’s got his undies in a bunch because the cop pulled his gun a full six seconds before ID’ing himself as a cop?

Who endangered more people on that stretch of road that day?

I’ve ridden bikes for 30 years and to me, you jackasses on your laserbikes with your spotless helmets have done more to hurt our rep than all the evil biker gangs combined.

If you don’t want to get hassled by he cops, here’s a suggestion: ride like an adult.

I have no sympathy for poorly trained cops and cops who overreach. But brother, you were begging for it.
100 Jeremy Jojola // Apr 17, 2010 at 12:30 AM

This demands a serious internal investigation into the drafting of that warrant and the execution of that warrant.

I hope this man sues and wins big.
101 Brett // Apr 17, 2010 at 12:42 AM

Who did he assault?
102 Deals Gap Dragon // Apr 17, 2010 at 12:46 AM

An Equal Protection argument will beat the ‘wiretapping’ by videotape charge, since cops are allowed to record video/audio of citizens without warrants. Note that the TV station uses that same videotape on its broadcast, which is now a public record as evidence in the case. Undercover cops always testify (testilie) in open court, subject to videotape and broadcast.

All speeding charges can likewise be beat by Equal Protection, since cops are never allowed to speed (chase) without both emergency lights (blue) and siren turned on. Either the cop goes to jail for speeding faster than the bike to catch up, or all charges must be dismissed against the biker.

US Constitution… it’s THE LAW!

The gun does matter, since it was “brandished” and not kept in its holster. All cops are required to holster their guns during traffic stops, but keep their hand on the gun ready for quick draw. Instant arrest of any mere citizen who does exactly the same thing.

This undercover unbadged cop made a de facto citizen’s arrest. Any citizen is allowed to make a citizen’s arrest on any person who breaks any traffic law, including citizen’s arrest of any cop. If this case sets a precedent allowing this cop to win in a court of appeals, then any citizen will be allowed to brandish a gun while making citizen’s arrest on any cop for speeding, and to shot and kill that cop, if required, during that citizen’s arrest.

PS: Biker is a current US soldier, paid to kill traffic cops for Uncle Scam. Google Battle of Athens TN, to see how soldiers deal with traffic cops for speeding tickets.
103 Lauren // Apr 17, 2010 at 1:09 AM

so if we see someone committing a crime we are supposed to record it with our camera or video device, up until the point the cops arrive then it should be turned off immediately right? Because they can do no wrong, and just to prove it they won’t let anyone tape their methods. Sounds like a police state.
104 Deals Gap Dragon // Apr 17, 2010 at 1:21 AM

I escaped USA for 8 years living in Europe and working in US Air Force, where my govt job was loading nukes on supersonic bombers aimed at US troops in West Germany, and controlled demolition of nuclear bombs on active US military bases in highly populated areas on England. No stinkin speed limit in Germany, where I drove 130 mph in formation with commuter traffic for 3 hours nonstop, 100% legal. I also raced semipro on TV in England, where I was paid to drive 150 mph in front of 100,000 cheering fans. That was before the illegal alien Gatso invasion. History Channel’s Modern Marvels The Autobahn proved it’s safer to drive 212 mph on a public highway in Germany than drive 55 mph on a US interstate. USDOT and Ralph Nader report that it’s 6 times safer to speed than drive a posted speed limit. Plus the Constitutional right to travel without a driver license internal passport under the Communist Manifesto, without which no cop has jurisdiction for a traffic stop, and no court has jurisdiction for traffic tickets. Duress voids all contracts… that’s THE LAW!
105 Deals Gap Dragon // Apr 17, 2010 at 1:28 AM

It’s a felony in Germany to block the fast lane below 130 mph on the Autobahn. German police chief said so on History Channel. AmericanAutobahn.com
106 Rodger Ortiz // Apr 17, 2010 at 3:40 AM

@SJ It’s obvious that the officer had a big problem with his behavior. If he thought he was justified in his actions then why would he arrest the biker for simply posting a video of the incident. The camera doesn’t lie. A gun drawn is a gun drawn. This officer is probably relieved he didn’t point the gun at the biker. Is it your stance that cops should have their guns drawn at all times until they _know_ the people around them are unarmed? Because, like you said, the officer couldn’t know that the biker _wasn’t_ unarmed so it’s okay to draw a weapon on them because they were speeding.
107 Carlos Miller // Apr 17, 2010 at 3:44 AM

The cop holstered his weapon only when he saw the other cop. That much is obvious from the video.
108 Roger Krueger // Apr 17, 2010 at 4:06 AM

Even at 110 a bike is exceptionally unlikely to kill people in car. About the only way it happens is an extreme-speed T-bone where the gas tank penetrates through the side window and detonates in the passenger compartment. That’s not going to happen on the freeway.

What’s with the bit around 0:46 where he slowed and waited for a gap to pass? If you’re already that far illegal you way as well split, even if your state doesn’t approve. (There’s a lot wrong with California, but in my book legal splitting makes up for damn near all of it.)

And seriously, only 110 on a newish CBR? Did he make it out of 2nd gear?
109 Mike Sartin // Apr 17, 2010 at 4:44 AM

Dear Gov. O’Malley:

It is the behavior of law enforcement officers such as Joseph David Uhler, not to mention the action of a judge in redacting his/her own own name from a warrant, that have left me believing that the testimony of police in a court of law is less reliable than that of another witness. When a few of those responsible for enforcing the law so blatantly violate that law, the result is that they impeach the credibility of all in the justice system.

I am certainly not the only person who feels this way, and unless Uhler is prosecuted for his crimes, police credibility will continue to erode. Not even during the civil rights struggle of the 1960s did police dare to commit these crimes.

Michael Owen Sartin
110 Tony Bull // Apr 17, 2010 at 7:39 AM

Nice controlled wheelie bro….

Glad that coppa isnt in Aussie, he would probably have shot me for the speeds i do…lol

This is why we need to stop bullying in schools…cos the victims turn out to be cops with attitudes.

I reckon alot more people will come forward with alot of allegations about the angry man with the gun.
111 Tony Bull // Apr 17, 2010 at 7:55 AM

And stick them both in the same cell
112 PeteP // Apr 17, 2010 at 9:03 AM

That’s 130 KPH, not MPH. Big diff.
113 ray // Apr 17, 2010 at 9:13 AM

he only put his gun away when he seen the other cop he was def in the wrong. if a man would have pulled a gun on me I would have hit him with my bike.
114 Cops are the gangs // Apr 17, 2010 at 9:37 AM

Joseph D Uhler, Maryland State Police Badge #3316TFC, Work Location (2008) Golden Ring Barrack
(410) 866-3867, 8114 Philadelphia Rd, Rosedale, MD 21237-2849?
115 Zampano // Apr 17, 2010 at 10:00 AM

Cases of official misconduct like this should be reported to the local FBI field office.
116 Ronny // Apr 17, 2010 at 10:26 AM

Ask the FBI to help investigate a bad cop, unsigned warrant, secret judge and malicious prosecution.

http://baltimore.fbi.gov/
117 jdogg // Apr 17, 2010 at 10:55 AM

@SJ,
Of course you don’t have a problem with the officer’s behavior, you’re a fucking retard.
118 Conor // Apr 17, 2010 at 11:14 AM

To be fair, it is tax evasion if it is used for personal use because it is not registered, and that the dealer plates are meant for test drives/ transferring cars, but that law is not often enforced.
119 DP // Apr 17, 2010 at 11:44 AM

@SJ

I didn’t know the bagger at the grocery store this morning_wasn’t_ armed and/or going to shoot me immediately, so I brandished my firearm. Once I realized he was an unarmed citizen I holstered my weapon. May the bagger shouldn’t have been grabbing my property. I have no problem with my behavior.
120 Brian Koppelman // Apr 17, 2010 at 12:03 PM

That slimy cop deserves to be fired and be bagging groceries. Drunk with power loser.
121 Sarah // Apr 17, 2010 at 12:20 PM

Maryland is a ccw state. If Joseph D Uhler continues to draw his firearm on people, he will end up dead or creating a great financial loss to the taxpayers after killing someone who felt they were in grave danger and defended their self. The state of Maryland now knows or should have known Joseph D Uhler is a danger to the public.
122 Paul // Apr 17, 2010 at 1:15 PM

Its a good thing that PUNK-ASS cop didnt come out of his car with his gun out on me. I would have got off my bike and we would have had a very SERIOUS ass whippin…or his funeral. Punk-ass cops like him destroy the integrigity of all the good cops. The police chief there needs to grow some balls and fire that dude. Anyone can get out of a car yelling STATE POLICE. I saw no badge…just a big mouth and his meanest bad-boy look he could muster. But since it turned out like it did, I would find me a lawyer…if I hadnt of shot the idiot…and go after the whole damn force. All in All…come to Texas and pull that crap BOY…you will go back home in a box.
123 dan // Apr 17, 2010 at 1:20 PM

Typical police behavior. In a country where judges and police can kill at will, I think the motorcyclist was lucky the cop didn’t shoot him on site. Sounds like trumped up charges when he found out he was filmed abusing his authority by waving a gun when not in danger. I am surprised at the judge too, even signing a warrant for those people to be terrorized at home. This is a definite symptom of a police state.
124 imominous // Apr 17, 2010 at 1:29 PM

You mean the judge whose name was not on the warrant?
125 Rusty Carr // Apr 17, 2010 at 1:36 PM

Hey tough guy, do yourself a favor and never try to “ass whip” anybody packing a handgun. It’s a noble sentiment but it’ll get you killed and the “punk-ass cop” would have a defense that’d let him skate, the DA would probably not press charges. Sometimes it’s just better to quit the field and fight that battle another day under better circumstances. I’m guess’n the victim of this atrocity will end up with a nice big payday from the state of MD and when it’s all said and done the “punk-ass cop” is going to be flipp’n burgers at McDonalds.
126 E. R. // Apr 17, 2010 at 1:48 PM

Don’t you plebes know that feeding at the public trough bestows bestows superhuman intelligence, power and priviledge upon the feeders, politicians, judges, police, dogcatchers and sundry other functionaries.

Your correct response is self prostration and the spreading of your cheeks.

Only terrorists and their supporters do not submit.
127 Paul // Apr 17, 2010 at 1:59 PM

It isnt being a “tough guy” Rusty…when he puts his gin back in the holster and looks down…then pulls his shirt back over it…that is when to strike and I mean hit him as hard as you can. By the time he hits the ground…I have my gun. Maybe we both die…who knows, but a public service would be done if he gets shot and killed. Maybe its just me with too much military…fighter pilots dont put up with anyone’s crap, but I will not tolerate some cop abusing his authority on me. His ONLY safe avenue is to kill me, because I will not only get mad…I will get even.
128 Thebes // Apr 17, 2010 at 2:47 PM

Cop needs to be jailed for 10 years or more for his unlawful assault with a deadly weapon and “kidnapping”. Thats what would have happened to anyone not a cop who pulled that crap.

The other cops and the judge need to be tried, convicted and HANGED for their treachery to the Constitution of these United States. They have clearly abused their authority in an unlawful and unconscionable fashion, crapping upon the basic liberties of this once great nation to cover up the first thugs misdeeds.
Thebes´s last blog ..TnT-073 Haitian Zombies Find Mass Grave
129 leron // Apr 17, 2010 at 2:50 PM

I have seen numerous car vs. bike accidents where the car driver swerves to try and avoid the high-speed moron, for example, and goes under a semi., or touches off a chain collision of four-wheelers.
130 io // Apr 17, 2010 at 2:51 PM

SJ you poor mislead soul…
131 Roger Krueger // Apr 17, 2010 at 3:48 PM

On a freeway?

When would a car have occasion to avoid someone overtaking at high speed on a freeway? I understand how a bad pass might play out on a 2-lane, or failure-to-yield/unexpected closing speed at an intersection, but not on a divided highway.

An aborted lane change (because speed led them to mis-estimate closing time) might be a little exciting, but the lane they came from should still be empty.

Maybe you’re talking about people not acclimatized to splitting freaking when they get split on? I’ve certainly had plenty of people go by fast and close when I’m in my car, and yeah, having someone surprise you going 40mph faster than you 3 inches from your mirror with a 9k rpm roar is a little startling, but I still have a hard time imagining someone flinching so hard they lose it. But hey, people do lots of things I have a hard time imagining
132 AIM FOR THE HEAD of the FLAG PATCH ON THE ARM // Apr 17, 2010 at 4:06 PM

when the balloon does go up soon, just aim for the head on these thugs, or start at the FLAG PATCH on their sleeve, and let the muzzle kick work you into the neck and head area.

stupid nazi son’s of bitches they are!
133 Rusty Carr // Apr 17, 2010 at 4:59 PM

Paul, have you ever heard of the phrase “loose cannon on the deck”? That’s what comes to mind when I read your posts! Smack’n a cop who has just holstered his sidearm is going to land your butt in the slammer for a LONG time. It just ain’t worth it. This dog turd with a badge is vulnerable from other angles.
134 Rusty Carr // Apr 17, 2010 at 5:02 PM

The NSA monitors all I-net traffic.
135 J.B. // Apr 17, 2010 at 5:20 PM

Deals Gap Dragon, you need to do a little more study as to what is “law”. First, what is a “crime”? As ” We The People ” are endowed by our Creator with “unalienable Rights” and AMONG these are the right to Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness. Which is to say, these aren’t ALL of our Rights. And we can do whatever we want , so as NOT to infringe on the Rights of others.
The “law” is defined as: harm or damage, violating the Rights of another.
So before you perform a “citizens arrest” , you better know what you’re doing, or you may be handed your azz in a basket.
Personal liberty is :
· “Personal liberty, or the Right to enjoyment of life and liberty, is one of the fundamental or natural Rights, which has been protected by its inclusion as a guarantee in the various constitutions, which is not derived from, or dependent on, the U.S. Constitution, which may not be submitted to a vote and may not depend on the outcome of an election. It is one of the most sacred and valuable Rights, as sacred as the Right to private property … and is regarded as unalienable.” 16 C.J.S., Constitutional Law, Sect.202, p.987.
I didn’t see where Graber violated the “law”. As he didn’t “harm or injure nor damage property”.
On the other hand, the cop violated many Rights of Graber.

· “Where rights secured by the Constitution are involved, there can be no rule making or legislation which would abrogate them.” Miranda vs. Arizona, 384 US 436, 491.

Hertado v. California, 110 U.S. 516. states very plainly: “The State cannot diminish rights of the people.”

These aren’t the only cases to illusrtate the point, but what is interesting is that NO judge stood up and said THESE JUDGES WERE WRONG.
So be careful when trying to enforce “traffic laws”, because they are not laws at all.
· “The claim and exercise of a constitutional Right cannot be converted into a crime.” Miller vs. U.S., 230 F. 486, 489

· “Disobedience or evasion of a Constitutional Mandate cannot be tolerated, even though such disobedience may, at least temporarily, promote in some respects the best interests of the public.” Slote vs. Examination, 112 ALR 660

· “Economic necessity cannot justify a disregard of Constitutional guarantee.” Riley vs. Carter, 79 ALR 1018; 16 Am.Jur. (2nd), Const. Law, Sect. 81.

· “No public policy of a state can be allowed to override the positive guarantees of the U.S. Constitution.” 16 Am.Jur. (2nd), Const. Law, Sect. 70.

If one speeds and is involved in an accident (injury or damage to another) and speed was a factor, then , that’s a crime .
Same goes with wheelies.
One can’t claim Rights as sling around the US Constitution when it suits em, and then disregard it when it gets in the way.
I suggest everyone read and study what the founders wrote( the federalist papers) about the US Constitution and keep them cameras rolling.
Tyranny is at hand….

Peace
136 Erick // Apr 17, 2010 at 5:43 PM

hey i just wanted to say fuck cops… they’re assasins , come on hes gonna shoot a guy after he pulled him over and cut him off from driving any further? i mean seriously this faggot cop was only trying to prove hes above the law…. like the rest of them do………… and to the dumb fuck SJ. get educated you silly prick, the cop obviously thinks hes god.
137 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 17, 2010 at 5:51 PM

LOL Your method is flawed….Trooper holstered his weapon before or without searching Anthony Graber…..so please tell us how he knew Anthony was armed as that is the reason you posted for him holstering. Does the Trooper have xray vision?
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138 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 17, 2010 at 5:54 PM

@ SJ
LOL Your method is flawed….Trooper holstered his weapon before or without searching Anthony Graber…..so please tell us how he knew Anthony was armed as that is the reason you posted for him holstering. Does the Trooper have xray vision?
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
139 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 17, 2010 at 6:02 PM

@ I need a job…. I think the problem IAW Maryland state law was the audio part of it not the video part. I”M NOT AN ATTORNEY, THOUGH>
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
140 Alex J // Apr 17, 2010 at 6:02 PM

Just to clarify your first part of your post; the Declaration of Independence is not law.
141 Patriot // Apr 17, 2010 at 7:41 PM

@SJ

You are probably a cop and just like Uhler, are used to being a controlling dick that only follows the rules when there are others around to keep him in check. If i was in a similar circumstance, and someone approached me in the manner Uhler did with a gun and without identifying himself, I would have pulled out my concealed and shot him dead.

We need a change in this country, our police have to much protection. We need to pass laws that criminalize and penalize officers that flagrantly abuse the rights of citizens. We have given them and the judges we elect to great a leash, all in the name of order and security. Well I am not willing to trade the tyranny of a thug for the organized tyranny of a thug with a badge.
142 Patriot // Apr 17, 2010 at 7:45 PM

Agreed, the only way for this shit to end is to sue, sue and sue some more. The cops will hate you, the judges will ignore you, but if you scream loud enough and get support you can be heard. IT must be to expensive for the cities and states to allow their cops to act this way. Also call your state reps and express concerns and the desire to enact laws that spell out procedures for prosecuting cops and punishments for violations.
143 Patriot // Apr 17, 2010 at 7:50 PM

@ Boondoggie

Amen brother! the second Amendment is in case our government forgets about the rest of our rights. I carry and when I deal with the police, I let them know i have it. It freaks them out and sometimes they call for back up, but they sure are polite. Being legally educated sure doesn’t hurt either though.
144 Patriot // Apr 17, 2010 at 8:19 PM

@ Tony
Actually Tony, studies have shown that the cops were the bullies in school, and that is why they become cops. Studies have also shown that many cops have the same psychiatric make up as criminals, not to mention that most were C students and far from the cream of the intellectual crop. The problem is not the cops, they are the thugs that we need them to be in order to deal with other thugs. They are the dumb bullies that do shit work for shit pay, but someone must do it. The problem is that we do not care enough to enact laws to keep them in line and have granted them to much protection under state immunity. IMHO whats your opinion people?
145 Roger Krueger // Apr 17, 2010 at 8:20 PM

Sometimes I wonder how often posts like these are really cops trying to discredit their opponents. Can’t imagine everyone really forgot about COINTELPRO techniques.
146 Paul // Apr 17, 2010 at 8:38 PM

Who cares???
147 Paul // Apr 17, 2010 at 8:49 PM

I’m not a loose cannon…very laid back and you would be safer with me than you would be with yourself, because I wouldnt let anything hapopen to you. This dusche bag cop wouldnt be the first cop I laid out and he certainly wouldnt be the first that I pulled down on. The last one I had a tiff with got his bell rung and I told him YOU started it and I finished it…take it like a big boy. Arrest me…I go to jail for a few hours then I get out…your job is to figure out how to get off this planet, because I am coming for you. I never heard another word about it from him or anyone else. All this cop needs is a massive beat-down…then he might make a good cop. As it is now, he sours the whole departments image. Its no secret that they all cover for each other and they are all extremely brave when they get a bunch of them together. Get them out solo and they are not nearly as brave…but Hell…that is the typical ego-power bully’s mode of operation. Makes me want to get on my scooter to see if I could hook up with this turd. Ohhhhhhhhhhh…what fun I could have.
148 Theywantyoufired // Apr 17, 2010 at 9:21 PM

Lets add up the “punishment”. $15,000 bond, most of us have been wiped out by the economy so they went to a bail bondsman. They pay a percentage, like 10% to post the bail. So he’s out $1500 right off. No, you don’t get that back when you show up for trial. The bondsman gets his $15k back though. The computers, cameras, etc will sit in police lockup for years. When they get them back they will no longer work. Hopefully they didn’t store tax or financial information or that will conveniently end up on identity theft message boards, thanks the the heroes in uniform. If the poor guy wants to apply for a job in the future, his name will light up the background checks and he won’t get hired. I’m sure the cops have contacted his current employer, urging them to terminate him immediately. “Stupid” office staff will comply as many fools in the USA still respect the police. Basically his life is now ruined for standing up to the “heroes”.

Oh, in case anybody asks, I’ve been through some of this so that’s how I know.
149 secforcsergeant // Apr 17, 2010 at 11:04 PM

awesome… just goes to show you no matter how much the feds lock down america and even if they do call martial law on us. we the people will resist and will not be intmidated by the nwo new world order thugs of america, ie your local cops state cops and feds. who are all now federally subsidized with your tax dollars. livin large as you starve.

arm up prepare for the nwo to declare martial law.
150 ME // Apr 17, 2010 at 11:29 PM

Cops are cops … but PIGS are assholes

Uhler is a PIG
151 Dodge Ball // Apr 17, 2010 at 11:51 PM

Please SJ, don’t sound so shallow. The weapon should have never been removed from his holster. For that matter, the stupid SOB should have never jumped out of his vehicle (yes, HIS), should never have pursued him, and should probably have never been issued a commission.
152 Dodge Ball // Apr 17, 2010 at 11:59 PM

Secretly? It was on a public roadway. Uhler was not entitled to or afforded any privacy.
153 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:11 AM

Yup, they do. I’m one of them, and guess what? I have credentials (not state, either). I could have easily put two or three half inch holes in him lickety split and ensure that he was acting outside of the law. It would have been justified, based on his actions.
154 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:15 AM

You’re just as much an idiot as Uhler.
155 Rail Car Fan // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:21 AM

SJ..

Do you work hard at being that stupid.. or does it just come naturally..!!?

Rail Car Fan
156 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:22 AM

“Courtroom Misconduct”.
157 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:26 AM

The officer in the marked unit should be giving a deposition and the recordeing of his dash cam be subjected to a subpoena, prior to his deposition.
158 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:27 AM

I just realized this topic hit home for the author Carlos. The about author section says he was arrested twice in Florida for videotaping/ or taking pics of cops. WOW.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
159 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:28 AM

I was under the impression MD was a ccw state. I’m not an attorney.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
160 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:32 AM

@theywantedyoufired I wonder if Anthony made a back up copy while the videos are still on youtube.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
161 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:33 AM

Leron, I’ve been riding for 42 years AND have been in law enforcement for 25. You’re shallow in your statement. The kid did deserve a ticket and that was all. At no time should a weapon be foolishly employed as it was in this incident. I would have had Uhler faced down on the pavement and cuffed.
162 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:35 AM

@Erick
For clarification I’m sure we agree not all cops are bad. See how this trooper has hurt the LEO image same way sportbikers ruin our image by doing crazy stuff.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
163 Rail Car Fan // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:40 AM

PhatBieu..

You sound like another one of those who don’t mind giving up your Constitutional Rights while letting the Police do as they dam please.

Rail Car Fan
164 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:41 AM

@ Dodgeball and Leron See all cops aren’t bad. They changed his ticket later to criminal charges according to what I have read, and started charges for illegal recording.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
165 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:43 AM

@ Mike S. and Gov. O’Malley I agree.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
166 Nikolai // Apr 18, 2010 at 7:55 AM

The problem is that is their training. They act like cowards, their first goal is protect themselves. Army, same thing. It is a tough call sometimes but they don’t want to take any chances.
167 Mark E // Apr 18, 2010 at 9:05 AM

A ‘good officer’ who looks the other way is just as guilty as the ‘bad officer’ who is on the take, terrorizes the civilians, and breaks the law.

By association and lack of action, every ‘good officer’ at Uhler’s station is protecting him.

The ‘thin blue line’ protects criminals
168 chriskieninger // Apr 18, 2010 at 10:58 AM

the cop is also wearing his badge on the right side of his belt, next to his holster
169 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:19 PM

So? IT HAS TO BE CLEARLY VISIBLE. Under a shirt doesn’t qualify, which was what the idiot was doing. The thing may as well have been up his ass. It is to be secured on the torso, on a chain around the neck, or presented in the non-gun hand. Immediate identification was circumvented in this case.
170 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:25 PM

SJ, you’re out of touch with certain realities and your comment has no place in this thread if you have no problem with what the cop did. I am highly experienced and condemn what the idiot did.
171 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:32 PM

The motorcyclist and the state.

Before any one comes out and says “but he didn’t point the gun at him”, a weapon does not have to be pointed to constitute an assault. If and when it is pointed, it is taken to a higher level, as it displays more intent.
172 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:35 PM

DP, great analogy.
173 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:43 PM

Bullshit, SJ. The weapon WAS pointed in Graber’s direction as Uhler approached him. It may have been a few degrees off of him but in the legal sense, it was. Get your head out of your ass and look at the video.
174 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:49 PM

It’s term is “ommission of action” and in most states, carries as much weight as commiting a criminal act. What about the marked unit’s video cam recording? I would have the feds confiscate it along with the inictments being issued.
175 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 12:54 PM

Uhler is obviously too much of of an ass hole to be a coward. That’s what put a bull’s eye on his chest.
176 Paul // Apr 18, 2010 at 3:45 PM

BINGO people…Rusty just hit a homerun.
177 Paul // Apr 18, 2010 at 3:47 PM

What we all need to do is take the time to send this clown a note in the mail…nothing threatening…just expressed opinions of his actions and character…alnog with copies to his superiors.
178 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 4:22 PM

What I would like to do is enter a locked room with him for a few minutes, for training purposes, of course. The lesson would be in disarming and neutralizing a subject.
179 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 18, 2010 at 4:31 PM

Can someone prove whether the cop “rode sportbikes and fast back in the day”? I saw a hint about this but nothing as far as physical proof.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
180 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 4:33 PM

That’s proof that Uhler had no business in interfering with the officer in the marked unit, who obviously made the stop. As he was not identified as a LEO by his person or his vehicle, he was caught flirting with interference or obstruction with his pants down around his ankles.
181 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 18, 2010 at 4:36 PM

Agreed!!!
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
182 Rusty Carr // Apr 18, 2010 at 4:37 PM

Anybody with a lick of sense.
183 Rusty Carr // Apr 18, 2010 at 4:39 PM

Call the county health department and have them come to your house with a straight jacket.
184 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 4:59 PM

“Reasonable Expectation of Privacy” should not apply as it was in an extremely public setting and Uhler initiated contact quite abrubtly. The employment of this statute would be shredded in federal court. Besides, it’s really not the recording, it’s the You tube posting that embarassed Uhler, isn’t it? Look at it this way. If Uhler would have kept his dumb ass within his scope of employment, Graber would probably have not made the posting. He would have only been cited by the uniformed officer and all of this wouldn’t be taking place. The focal point is Uhler, meaning that the burden of proximate cause rests on his shoulders (or the state).
185 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 5:09 PM

Alex, that’s exactly what happened. What hasn’t been brought to the surface is the gross amount of resource waste created by this frickin’ idiot Uhler.
186 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 5:19 PM

If it is proven that no warrant was ever authorized by a magistrate, several bastards had better be placed in a federal holding facility, with Uhler leading the way.
187 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 5:34 PM

Uhler obviously had documented KNOWLEDGE AND CONTROL at the time of the incident. The video recording was a component of the incident and subject to it. There was no expectation of privacy….period. By not acting at the time of the incident versus the “hurt feelings” time frame, any complaint made by him or the state should have no merit. Graber isn’t being charged for the posting, he was charged for the recording. The hole in the side of the SS Maryland is widening.
188 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 5:56 PM

I would not have hesitated to put Uhler in his place as I have been a fed for well over twenty years. This would include two rounds center mass OR putting him horizontally on his face with my foot on the back of his neck. The uniformed officer would have been ordered to place him into the back of his unit until a division commander arrived. There’s no way that I (nor anyone else) should tolerate that shit.
189 Dodge Ball // Apr 18, 2010 at 6:10 PM

I disagree with what you were told in reference to the signature on the warrant. It smells. I would contact the court involved and mention the Freedom of Information Act then see what takes place.
190 axm // Apr 18, 2010 at 7:24 PM

Perhaps you Americans have forgotten your own constitution and have gladly adopted the Tabiban style of functioning. Time to retrospect.
191 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 18, 2010 at 10:19 PM

Of course if you are LEO you most likely would have received professional courtesy aka get of jail free card . Like the recent case of 2 cops doing 149 mph didn’t get a utc till days later after the citing officer was pushed to cite him by his supervisor.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
192 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 18, 2010 at 10:24 PM

How many former LEO’s have badges? How many bad guys have badges and impersonate police and pull people over? I bet the first has a higher percentage but both still happen. Everyone I know who ever worked in L.E. still has a badge or two or three??
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
193 Jeff from PA // Apr 19, 2010 at 7:52 AM

Thugs like this prick of an officer make the rest of the force look like assholes. And they wonder why people don’t like police, this jackbooted ass needs to be punished with jail time ASAP!!!!!

If Anthony is smart, he better lawyer up and sue the fuck out of this prick and his department, shit go after the imaginary judge as well…
194 kirk // Apr 19, 2010 at 10:46 AM

You’re a moron, right? His hands were on the bars of the bike. He was stopped STOPPED at a light. He wasn’t hurting anyone. He was simply being stupid on his bike. Like millions of young adults in Tuner cars. Bigotry toward riders shows ignorance.
195 Jim // Apr 19, 2010 at 12:44 PM

There are no privacy issues in the granting of an arrest warrant, so they should have received a signed copy. This needs more mainstream press (sorry Carlos). Also, a police officer has no expectation of privacy in the public performance of his duties. It’s really that simple.
196 Jim // Apr 19, 2010 at 12:50 PM

I can’t believe he doesn’t have attorneys banging on his door to represent him in a civil suit against the PD and the State.
197 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 19, 2010 at 1:45 PM

@ Rusty “Rusty Carr // Apr 18, 2010 at 4:39 PM

Call the county health department and have them come to your house with a straight jacket.” Who was this directed towards and Why?
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
198 Rusty Carr // Apr 19, 2010 at 2:16 PM

It was not directed towards you.
199 Rusty Carr // Apr 19, 2010 at 2:22 PM

Maybe he does, Jim.
200 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 19, 2010 at 2:36 PM

@ rusty carr thanks didn’t see why it would be but it was posted under my comment. thanks 4 the speedy reply.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
201 Michelle // Apr 19, 2010 at 5:26 PM

You’re a moron, right? His hands were on the bars of the bike. He was stopped STOPPED at a light. He wasn’t hurting anyone. He was simply being stupid on his bike. Like millions of young adults in Tuner cars. Bigotry toward riders shows ignorance.
202 CJV // Apr 19, 2010 at 5:56 PM

what was he doing trying to pull him over while he is off duty. radio it in to an on duty officer (who was obviously near by according to the video) and have him deal with it. if he had exited the vehicle with his badge clearly visible the gun drawn might not have been so blatantly stupid and to the rider, threatening. i hope this gets a lot of attention and something is done to this ignorant, power hungry, douche.
203 Roger Krueger // Apr 19, 2010 at 7:40 PM

For an off-duty pullover gone horribly wrong, look at the Steve Foley case:

http://www.sandiego6.com/news/local/story/Settlement-in-Ex-Chargers-Civil-Lawsuit-Set-at-5/8dJB05GZ3EylipSZ6wdpqg.cspx

Summary: City of Coronado pays $5.5 million for a career-ending gunshot to Charger linebacker’s knee. Rookie cop followed him for 13 miles before attempting a stop in his personal car nowhere near his home jurisdiction. He allegedly identified himself but didn’t show a badge.

What I’ve never seen explained about this case is why, when the cop contacted dispatch immediately, did the not-quite-chase then go on so long without backup? Did the Coronado PD not have the CHP’s digits? C’mon.
204 jesus christ // Apr 19, 2010 at 7:50 PM

Get fucked you stupid wanker
205 Dodge Ball // Apr 19, 2010 at 8:09 PM

Just another case of official misconduct and color of the law violation. The federal authorities must have been involved in this case, just as it should in the Uhler/Graber incident
206 Dodge Ball // Apr 19, 2010 at 8:47 PM

That officer has no authority to arrest an individual for tax evasion unless he is directed to with a warrant. The only thing he is empowered to do at the scene is to issue a citation for a registration and/or proof of insurance violation. He may take necessary information and forward it to the appropriate office for disposition. A dealer tag can be used on a regular basis if the business owner or employee is using it on a vehicle listed on the business inventory. I would have had fun with that self- inflated cop.
207 Dodge Ball // Apr 19, 2010 at 9:15 PM

Alex, any district/prosecuting attorney worth a shit would definitely require more than just an officer’s word, particularly in a claim such as this. I would. Therefore, the DA is just as much of a douche bag as Uhler and his cohorts. “Secretly ” has no merit. The narrative of the idiot’s report shoots it down, as he documented his knowledge of the recording device’s existence. The crux of it all is that Uhler had his nose rubbed in his excrement and his defective character couldn’t handle it.
208 serpentor // Apr 19, 2010 at 10:39 PM

Under your logic an officer should pull out a gun on all traffic stops, pat down and search the person to confirm they are not armed, and then proceed to write a ticket.
209 Tony Bull // Apr 20, 2010 at 12:10 AM

Cheers for the info…makes sense.

So….Pay peanuts, get monkey`s.
210 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 20, 2010 at 1:49 AM

@ Anon In Florida publishing the home address, or phone number of a LEO is unlawful. Ironically, It is currently being challenged due to a http://www.ratemycop.com member posting a LEO’s home address and number. Also you could be charged if something did happen. I don’t know Maryland’s laws. Does anyone know? While I don’t condone the actions I witnessed on youtube because I couldn’t clearly identify Trooper Uhler as a LEO (no visible badge or other LEO Id), while his firearm has cleared leather. I wouldn’t be surprised if Maryland wouldn’t hold blog author (Carlos) somewhat responsible as well.

Florida wiretapping law is similiar. Here is Florida’s law: 843.17 Publishing name and address of law enforcement officer.–Any person who shall maliciously, with intent to obstruct the due execution of the law or with the intent to intimidate, hinder, or interrupt any law enforcement officer in the legal performance of his or her duties, publish or disseminate the residence address or telephone number of any law enforcement officer while designating the officer as such, without authorization of the agency which employs the officer, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

Does this hold true in Maryland, as well?
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
211 Jeff from PA // Apr 20, 2010 at 6:32 AM

It is called a speed wheelie, it happens under hard acceleration and you can do nothing to prevent it because of the weight to power ratio. When you have something that weighs 365-400lbs and produces over 150hp, it tends to happen.
212 Sarah // Apr 20, 2010 at 1:35 PM

The state of Maryland is now aware that officer Uhler is a danger to himself and the public. So, on his next f up, it’s going to be a massive payoff to Uhler’s victim.
213 Sarah // Apr 20, 2010 at 1:37 PM

I could us a few million dollars, where does Uhler patrol?
214 Dodge Ball // Apr 20, 2010 at 2:38 PM

I would think that he’s not out in public these days. He’s under his rock somewhere.
215 Dodge Ball // Apr 20, 2010 at 2:54 PM

From now on, there are ones (capable of) that would like to shove that Sig up his ass and choke him out. Some of them might just be the ones who he discredited. Uhler, are you listening?
216 Rusty Carr // Apr 20, 2010 at 3:32 PM

TSK! TSK! Sarah, don’t succumb to nasty old greed!
217 Chas // Apr 20, 2010 at 5:11 PM

He holstered his weapon after he looked and saw the other cop there. And he took forever to I.D. himself. That guy is a jackass and needs to be off the force. I hope the rider presses charges.
218 ryan // Apr 20, 2010 at 10:30 PM

That doesn’t make since. Let’s say you get stopped for speeding. The cop doesn’t run up to you with a gun does he? Same thing here. Just because he’s on a bike doesn’t make him dangerous. What made the officer think he had a gun?
219 Dodge Ball // Apr 20, 2010 at 10:40 PM

Can it be determined if he was in his own vehicle or a state one? It makes a difference in his act of misconduct. If he was in his POV, he really crapped in his mess kit.
220 Dodge Ball // Apr 20, 2010 at 10:56 PM

The only true discrediting was done by Uhler.
221 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 20, 2010 at 11:10 PM

@ Carlos Carlos an anon poster posted the aleged home address, and phone number of Trooper Uhler on Apr 16, 2010 at 11:57 AM Are you going to leave it posted? In Florida this is illegal. I’m not sure about Maryland. I don’t condone Trooper’s Uhler actions according to the youtube video I watched. I don’t know if you could be held liable for any actions of the anon poster. Just curious and bringing it toyour attention. This Florida law is being challenged but still on the books. I’m not an attorney, though.

Here is Florida’s law: 843.17 Publishing name and address of law enforcement officer.–Any person who shall maliciously, with intent to obstruct the due execution of the law or with the intent to intimidate, hinder, or interrupt any law enforcement officer in the legal performance of his or her duties, publish or disseminate the residence address or telephone number of any law enforcement officer while designating the officer as such, without authorization of the agency which employs the officer, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
222 Rusty Carr // Apr 20, 2010 at 11:41 PM

“If i was in a similar circumstance, and someone approached me in the manner Uhler did with a gun and without identifying himself, I would have pulled out my concealed and shot him dead.”

Its not at all a good idea to attempt to draw on somebody whose gun is already drawn. A lot of tried and a lot of men died.
223 axm // Apr 20, 2010 at 11:51 PM

I agree, especially with a person who is trained to handle weapons. Gulp down your ego, and keep your video rolling, you may then retire off with a substantial settlement.
224 EN // Apr 21, 2010 at 10:27 AM

The least you could do is not lie about the contents of the video, the actions of the rider and the actions of the cop.

1) The rider’s speedometer was in excess of 100 mph.
2) You can clearly see the rider do a wheelie in traffic next to a bus in heavy traffic.
3) The cop does IDENTIFY himself quickly once he is out of his car.
4) Funny that the 4th amendment now only applies to idiots putting other people’s lives at risk and not to cops.
225 Dodge Ball // Apr 21, 2010 at 11:51 AM

EN, ther’s no question that Graber was way out of line by a large margin. They were traffic violations that didn’t warrant the reaction that took place. He was ticketed for his actions, so your points on that subject are essentially worthless in argument.

Law is based on logic and you’re logic is deficient in this matter. Uhler DID NOT present himself as a LEO when he quickly exited his vehicle with weapon in hand and in clear view by more than just Graber. A badge on his belt under a sweatshirt may as well have been up his rectum. Identifying himself later is not acceptable. I won’t get into the mechanical and legal aspects of his screw-up to discredit your comments any further. The seriousness of Uhler’s actions could have been mortal on his part. This is validated by this scenario: If I were stopped in traffic and sitting in my vehicle, an armed subject jumps out of a car adjacent to me which is obviously not an official vehicle, he is clearly displaying aggressive action, the suject would be looking down the barrel of my sidearm until he produces proper identification as ordered. If he opts to make an aggressive move towards me, he’s down. Justified? You’d better believe it. There are many out there that don’t need permits to carry.
226 Dodge Ball // Apr 21, 2010 at 11:58 AM

Post a disclaimer, Carlos.
227 Dodge Ball // Apr 21, 2010 at 12:05 PM

Oops. Your, not you’re.
228 Carlos Miller // Apr 21, 2010 at 12:15 PM

I reluctantly removed that comment, at least for now. Don’t want to give these thugs any ammo.
229 Rusty Carr // Apr 21, 2010 at 12:19 PM

C’mon jdogg, make an effort to be civil.
230 AMA Member // Apr 21, 2010 at 12:31 PM

Motorcyclists are discriminated against all of the time. That is why I am a member of the American Motorcyclist Association. They help guard our rights at all levels of government and they will even step in with legal assistance. It wouldn’t hurt to get this information to them. Pulling a gun on a motorcyclist in this instance is VERY serious.
If anyone out there is a motorcyclist, please check out the AMA. They are good people.
231 Rusty Carr // Apr 21, 2010 at 12:45 PM

+1
232 discarted // Apr 21, 2010 at 1:08 PM

i was photographing a nazi rally this weekend and a neo nazi was attacked and beaten by at least 20 people. they kicked him in the head. punched him. smashed him with signs, etc. i was in the middle of the fight and it was extremely violent. i was hit a couple of times myself while trying to photograph the melee

an undercover federal agent stepped in and dispersed the crowd with HIS BADGE and not his gun. and i would say his life was far more in danger than uhler’s.

he also identified himself immediately, screaming, “i’m a federal agent! get back!”

there was no question in anybody’s mind that this guy was not law enforcement

you can see a photo of the agent here and you can see how he is waving HIS BADGE and not his gun.

http://laist.com/2010/04/20/the_nazi_rally_anti-protest_as_dial.php
233 Yizmo Gizmo // Apr 21, 2010 at 1:13 PM

That “prosecution” didn’t exactly go so well:

“Prosecutors voluntarily dropped the charges on December 9 and then refiled 10 days later, according to an article on RateMyCop.com. The state court judge ultimately dismissed the charges with prejudice for failure to comply with Florida’s speedy trial requirements. Brayshaw then filed a complaint in federal court in Florida, seeking a declaration that Section 843.17 violates the First Amendment. According to Brayshaw’s complaint, the police officer’s name and address are publicly available on the Leon County Clerk of Court’s website.”
234 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 21, 2010 at 3:07 PM

@ Carlos I just didn’t know if you were aware of it. Your Blog is very active and informative.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
235 Keith // Apr 21, 2010 at 4:29 PM

“We need to press this NOW because this may be the most liberal administration we will see in our lifetimes.”

And as such the most likely to place limits on personal freedom for the better interest of collective, whatever they deem that better interest to be.
236 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Apr 21, 2010 at 5:55 PM

When u typed “HIS BADGE” …Why do I hear this in the sarcastic voice of Ron White. LOL
Florida Sport Bikes Blog´s last blog ..Will Mat Mladin be returning to racing?
237 Rusty Carr // Apr 21, 2010 at 6:13 PM

If the truth be told, neither of the two major parties are really hot to protect civil liberties. Their primary interest is getting re-elected.
238 leron // Apr 21, 2010 at 9:32 PM

I have seen multi-car accidents caused by a kid squeaking a balloon in the back seat.
239 leron // Apr 21, 2010 at 9:35 PM

No argument, sir. Cop screwed up. It just bothers me that when the cop screws up, everyone screams. When the moron on the bike passes a bus on the right at 110, everyone says, well, that’s just a guy being a guy.
240 Rusty Carr // Apr 21, 2010 at 9:51 PM

Leron wrote: “I have seen multi-car accidents caused by a kid squeaking a balloon in the back seat.”

And that means exactly WHAT?
241 Rusty Carr // Apr 21, 2010 at 9:56 PM

Leron, please tell me just how the “moron” violated anybody’s constitutional rights by passing a buss at high speed on the right? Being STUPID does not equate to violating people’s constitutional rights!
242 Dodge Ball // Apr 21, 2010 at 10:09 PM

Rusty, from his so-called observations, Leron doesn’t have a hard time imagining or is full of it. He probably saw it all on TV. I doubt that he ever measured skid marks to estimate speed, photographed, analyzed debris, or diagramed a scene.
243 moosestang // Apr 21, 2010 at 10:32 PM

That’s because you are a sheep. I carry my gun at all times and i would have shot that fool as soon as he drew on me.
244 moosestang // Apr 21, 2010 at 10:57 PM

You’ve seen to many movies.
245 mythras // Apr 22, 2010 at 12:29 AM

Yes, showing a badge was the right thing to do. But that’s because pulling a gun in close quarters could result in the the gun being wrestled away.
246 Dogcatcher // Apr 22, 2010 at 3:52 PM

OK. I got more training as a dog catcher than this guy seems to have had. That is not right. (Dog catchers can be very well trained and professional but police officers should know more).

Wiretapping: To record a private phone or conversation an officer needs a warrant. A phone owner can record calls as long as he announces this and allows people to hang up if they disagree. If you do it anyway but don’t announce it you can’t use it in court. NONE of that applies here.

Additionally the officer may have made a mistake on the citation or charging documents for which a judge can dismiss with prejudice which means the officer can’t even get a do-over. If the warrant for the parent’s house had the same mistake…the warrant is bad.

Constitutional issues:
4th amendment–Officers do not have an expectation of privacy while on duty.
Filming in a public place is allowed.
The warrant to search his parents’ home is possibly based on charges of wiretapping which are wrong. But to detain his mother and sister is no part of any of this -made it worse.

Posting on youtube maybe involve 1st amendment.

And then there are Police SOPs about weapons and ID.
247 Dodge Ball // Apr 22, 2010 at 5:14 PM

Dogcatcher, why can’t some people grasp these points? It is so ridiculous in how some of the unknowing and inexperienced clowns come forward with unmerited crap.

This is how I see it. The understanding of basic logic requires intelligence. Law is based on logic, so ……………..
248 JC // Apr 22, 2010 at 7:15 PM

So now the Nazi State is suing the rider for ILLEGALY RECORDING the individual that cut him off in the unmarked car without a uniform and a GUN pulled out. As if everyone on earth would NATURALLY without a doubt know that when a regular tinted car pulls out and someone in normal clothing suddenly jumps out and pulls a gun on you with no badge or anything LE identifying insignia or badge or what have you, You should ALWAYS/INSTANTLY know this is Law Enforcement.
Since gangs, mafia, criminals, cartel, terrorist would never do such a thing in that manner.

This is not backwards mentally challenged iq of a chicken sandwhich stupidity, it’s more like sideways thinking.

Check this out!

http://www.abc2news.com/mediacenter/…et&navCatId=14

If they are not busy acting like this, then they are busy beating the LIVING DAYLIGHTS out of collage kids in Maryland and blantantly lying to cover it up or carjacking and raping a girl at gun point:

http://vodpod.com/watch/3413467-2-co…gun-in-her-car

http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktl…,5443438.story
249 mg // Apr 22, 2010 at 8:06 PM

Herr Joseph D Uhler, Maryland State Police Badge #3316TFC, Work Location (2008) Golden Ring Barrack
(410) 866-3867, 8114 Philadelphia Rd, Rosedale, MD 21237-2849?
250 Dodge Ball // Apr 22, 2010 at 10:44 PM

What’s so pitiful is that there are so many out there that defend this idiot cop’s actions. It’s probably because they have the same defect and would do the same. Graber was on a motorcycle, which definitely put him at a disadvantage. However, anyone in a car, which would include a bystander, wouldn’t be. Consideration should be given to the fact that a bystander could very well be an official authorized to use lethal force and could have easily made an immediate reaction to his dumb-assed move. His ass was hanging out there.
251 Zelna // Apr 23, 2010 at 3:23 AM

What the officer did was wrong yes! but, these motorcyclists who is constantly riding without number plates and believing they own the road should get owned now and then. Now he is selling his bike and is scared of police which means he will do his best to stay straight! I am sorry to say but I think it’s the best thing that could happen to the motorcyclist!
252 Mark Kalan // Apr 23, 2010 at 6:50 AM

@Zelna you’re obviously a motorcycle hater and ignorant of real statistics. I’ve ridden over 500,000 miles on motorcycles and spent 15 years as Editor & Publisher of City Cycle, NYC’s motorcycle publication. AND I’LL TELL YOU: #1) motorcycle riders have a higher level of education than automobile drivers. #2) motorcycle riders have a higher average income than automobile drivers #3) motorcycle riders vote more often than car drivers.

So now that you understand that we’re smarter than you, make more money than you and are much more politically active than you here’s another fact; 80% of motorcycle accidents are caused by cars!

A motorcycle riders stands out because we’re in the minority of the traffic and there have been more movies portraying motorcycle riders in a negative light than car owners yet the majority of criminals travel by car not motorcycle.

When you say “these motorcyclists who is constantly riding without number plates and believing they own the road should get owned” you admit two things #1) you’re trading on prejudice and #2) you failed English.

Go take a driving lesson.
253 Andre Ramos // Apr 23, 2010 at 10:55 AM

Stupid Cop, you are, mister Joseph David Uhler. You’re the typical stupid and asshole man-in-law that think has the power and the reason all the time, but, in this case, mister Uhler, I think you exaggerated.
Asshole, MFKer.
254 Rusty Carr // Apr 23, 2010 at 11:14 AM

Zelna wrote: “…these motorcyclists who is constantly riding without number plates and believing they own the road should get owned now and then.” I agree Zelna, them there “uppity” motorcycle riders got it come’n!!
255 Molly Parker // Apr 23, 2010 at 7:26 PM

Where is the rest of the video…was he really doing a wheely…Whatever, the article makes it all sound a little worse than it actually looks. Yeah, I mean poor guy, the biker didn’t know if he was being robbed or what. That officer was bit over zealous and should at least be suspended. After that video posted they should have issued a public apology for the behavior of their employee not raid his house and try to arrest him. It really makes me sick to my stomach to think how they are using their power to cover their mistakes.
256 Dodge Ball // Apr 23, 2010 at 8:50 PM

Greg Shipley of the MSP made a statement to the media that is so typical. He said that the weapon wasn’t pointed at Graber and was kept at his (Uhler’s) side. I didn’t see that in the video.
257 ANDREW BISHOP // Apr 23, 2010 at 8:59 PM

I POSTED POSTERS OF THE SYRACUSE NEW YORK POLICE CHIEF OUTING HIM FOR HIS ILLEGAL ACTS INCLUDING HIS HOME ADDRESS HE HAD ME ARRESTED AND I WON IN COURT SEARCH:SYRACUSE.COM -ANDREW BISHOP CORRUPTION MUST BE FOUGHT AT ALL TIMES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
258 moosestang // Apr 23, 2010 at 9:27 PM

Oh brother! He’s in the flipping phone book!

I think it’s time to overthrow the current government and start over. We need to start from scratch and stick to the basics.
259 Rcardo Meza // Apr 23, 2010 at 9:45 PM

You should set up some time of foundation where the rest of the riding comunity like myself can make a donation to help you fight this legal battle. Don’t let that idiots actiosns be the reason you give up riding. He’s not worth it.
260 Dodge Ball // Apr 23, 2010 at 9:51 PM

If anyone wants to disprove this, just look at the still shot of this idiot at the heading of this thread! Yeah, ……that weapon sure was at his side, alright. It’s proof of another member of the MSP becoming a self-made official clown. What kind of bullshit will come from that agency next? Will the superintendent of the MSP state that it really wasn’t Uhler?

I have some questions about the incident that, if answered accurately, would reveal more character of the incident. Was Uhler in a privately owned vehicle? If not, and it was a state vehicle, was it equipped with the proper emergency lights? Though the saying “24/7″ applies to a reasonable extent, was Uhler actually on duty or not?
261 Dodge Ball // Apr 23, 2010 at 9:55 PM

This legal battle should not only be your defense, but it should include the civil action against Uhler and his employer.
262 r wooton // Apr 23, 2010 at 9:57 PM

I smell a huge lawsuit coming. The stupid punk cop will be shaking in his shoes when the LAW gets through with him and be lucky to have any job. This crap is totally out of hand and the public is tired of the bullshit about how the cops are in such danger. They recruit too much from the insecure leftovers of society and also from the refugees of the military where they could’t handle the rules. The punk probably beats on his wife too.
263 Dodge Ball // Apr 23, 2010 at 10:00 PM

Is the listing in the yellow pages under “clowns” or “village idiots” for hire?
264 r wooton // Apr 23, 2010 at 10:06 PM

I sent you a hundred dollars. Fight the good fight.

Everyone chip in. I’m not even employed and I can do something for this man.
265 juan // Apr 23, 2010 at 10:35 PM

Uhler is not a rookie. He just played one on video.

He is one of MD’s finest… 2003 MD State Trooper of the Year.

http://www.explorebaltimorecounty.com/news/6081335/awards-ceremony-sundaychamber-honors-residents-whove-contributed-pikesville/
266 Dodge Ball // Apr 23, 2010 at 10:38 PM

You are a noble person……..Wow.
267 Rusty Carr // Apr 23, 2010 at 10:51 PM

Way to go Andrew, KICK ASS! I hope you get a nice settlement.
268 Rusty Carr // Apr 23, 2010 at 10:59 PM

Oh boy! Somebody at the NSA is foaming at the mouth right now!!
269 Rusty Carr // Apr 23, 2010 at 11:03 PM

That’s outstanding, we all need to dig deep and give until it STOPS hurting!
270 Rusty Carr // Apr 23, 2010 at 11:08 PM

Evidently he failed to keep up on his training between 2003 and 2010, he sure as hell slipped a lot. Maybe that award went to his head.
271 Dodge Ball // Apr 23, 2010 at 11:22 PM

And bounced around in there like a BB would.
272 Rusty Carr // Apr 23, 2010 at 11:55 PM

HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!
273 Dodge Ball // Apr 24, 2010 at 10:34 AM

As far as I’m concerned, Uhler placed himself into the role of a domestic enemy. This is because his actions were a direct assault on the Constitution and the people. What is so unsettling is that the MSP publicly lied to the press about it. Isn’t that right Greg Shipley? I truly hope that you read this.

I know that it will never happen, but I would just love to have a little conference with you, Uhler, the superintendent of the MSP, and a member of the U.S. Attorney’s office. The word “oops” will be further defined.

I took two of these oaths many years ago and would not hesitate to employ immediate retaliatory force to a person presenting himself in such a manner. Bear a weapon on me without warrant or cause…….it’s war. It may be on the smallest scale, but it’s still war.

Let’s just hope that it doesn’t come to preemptive strikes as a resut of jack-asses such as Uhler and some of his brown shirt cohorts.
274 Dodge Ball // Apr 25, 2010 at 12:55 PM

Screw big big brother. I’ll openly make this statement and let the chips fall in defense of my rights. I have the ability and will to draw, deliver some serious hydrostatic shock to a deserving ass-hole, then reholster before that disconnected ass-hole could realize what just took place. The thing about this point is that there are a lot more than a few that can do this. Look out ass-holes with badges….. think before you leap into justifiable harm’s way.
275 Rusty Carr // Apr 25, 2010 at 1:53 PM

Try to remember DB, EVERYTHING you post on the internet is retrievable and can be used as evidence against you in a court of law. This kind of bluster can be held up to a jury to show you were just looking for an excuse to shoot a cop. We all need to use a certain amount of descretion when posting on the I-net.
276 Dodge Ball // Apr 25, 2010 at 3:43 PM

It wouldn’t be a real cop. A truly devoted (intelligent?) law enforcement officer really doesn’t look forward to fu**ing with a person in a manner as this. It’s kind of like an overly bold person, driven by stupidity, walking into a lion’s den with steaks in his pocket, and without knowing if the lion is home or not. Being “taken off of the roster” by his own doing is what the scenario could have been. If a suit with enough fortitude wishes to approach me on something as petty as this, the invitation’s open to discuss Constitutional law.
277 Mark Kalan // Apr 25, 2010 at 3:52 PM

Yeah – the NSA – you mean the guys taht were ACCURATELY portrayed in the Simpsons Movie?
278 Mark Kalan // Apr 25, 2010 at 3:57 PM

FL Sport bike said, “@ Anon In Florida publishing the home address, or phone number of a LEO is unlawful. Ironically, It is currently being challenged due to a http://www.ratemycop.com member posting a LEO’s home address and number. Also you could be charged if something did happen. ”

AND/BUT how about the anti-abortion website that posted doctors’ names in “Wanted Dead or Alive” posters and the courts said it was free speech – they weren’t charged when that moron shot the doctor to death IN A CHURCH!
279 Rusty Carr // Apr 25, 2010 at 4:29 PM

Your call DB, you’re a big boy.
280 ken pearce // Apr 25, 2010 at 5:03 PM

I do not understand who was filming?
281 ken pearce // Apr 25, 2010 at 5:16 PM

I posted something earlier and received an email stating there was a n update by Rusty Carr:

Summary:
Somebody help me out here. Is it required by law in CA that one show ID to an LEO or security guard? It was my understanding that no such law existed in this state.

Of course if you don’t want to us to email you when a new comment is made, we understand. You won’t hurt our feelings. *Sniff*

but I don’t see it posted here. CA has actually become a de facto police state, ignoring the state and national constitutions because they are challenging your (OUR) ability to mount a response. They now chage some criminal complaints as “infractions”, with misdemeanor penalties. This “lesser charge” has no access to a public defender or jury trial. One solution I have discovered/created with CA cops is to say that I live in Tijuana, Mexico, so I do not have to show CA ID period. I use my passport which immediately dulls their teeth. Anyone interesyed in pursuing a class action suit against police abuses in CA (San Diego area), can contact me directly at kennpear@live.com.

Basically, CA police are like dogs; they sense fear and will zero in on it, so the best way to go about the world is wearing your FEARLESS cilivil-rights, which force the cop(s) to think faster than they are actually capeable of.
282 Stan M // Apr 25, 2010 at 10:06 PM

If Carlos manages to get the video enhanced, it would be interesting to see whether or not Uhler had his finger inside or outside the trigger guard when he was waving his gun around.
283 martin // Apr 25, 2010 at 11:12 PM

Tthe idiot who left this response is either the thug cop himself or a cop’s fat pig wife who defends all cops, no matter what. Stupid idiot. Shut up.
284 ken pearce // Apr 25, 2010 at 11:16 PM

The kids in high school who were hall-monitors became cops, because that’s all they learned.

Hih schuul sertcifate? Wats a madda wiv a GED? College? Bachelor of Police Science degree ain’t hard ta cum bye, teach is tu afeard to fail ya, cuz he nose wats up!
285 ken pearce // Apr 25, 2010 at 11:20 PM

This tape’s a set up. WHERE would the phographer BE? On a BUS following the motorcycle? Gimme a break!
286 Eric // Apr 25, 2010 at 11:21 PM

The first thought that ran through my mind is that if someone with a gun in his hand jumps out of a car that just cut me off and orders me off the bike, BUT HASN’T identified himself FIRST, he’s either going to end up wearing tire marks (if he’s lucky) or if I am wearing my gun in a shoulder holster that day, he’s going to get shot.
There is a REASON that you are trained from day ONE to already be shouting “police” before you even clear leather.
287 Rusty Carr // Apr 25, 2010 at 11:32 PM

Yeah but Ken, look at it this way. Do you REALLY want a bunch of intellectuals making traffic stops? I mean, how would you handle, “I say there old chap, is that a copy of Canterbury Tales laying there in your passenger seat? Might I have a look at it for just a brief moment?” I mean, you’d pee your pants laughing and have NO confidence that guy could handle a real criminal, right?
288 Rusty Carr // Apr 25, 2010 at 11:34 PM

Ken, the camera was mounted on the guy’s helmet.
289 Lola // Apr 26, 2010 at 8:15 AM

So many morons with power in this world
290 Tharms // Apr 26, 2010 at 10:58 AM

A police office entering my child’s day care has no way of “knowing” that each and every toddler isn’t armed, but that gives him no right to pull a fire arm on the presumption that one of them might be. What a ridiculous claim. It flies in the very face of the very presumption of innocence that underlies all of our system of jurisprudence.
291 Jeff // Apr 26, 2010 at 11:01 AM

Support candidates who care about your civil liberties:
1. Rand Paul Senate 2010 – the frontrunner – needs your financial support – google him
2. Ron Paul and his Campaign for Liberty – they need your financial support.
Help support the fight against government tyranny and abuse.
292 BuckBlack // Apr 26, 2010 at 5:24 PM

Not all cops are sh*tbags.

It just seems that way sometimes, what with guns being waved around at snowball fights; people being held at gunpoint in their own homes, pets being shot in front of children etc.

Hmmmm.

Come to think of it….
293 BuckBlack // Apr 26, 2010 at 5:42 PM

I notice Larry uses the word ‘Gestapo’.

Very appropriate – particularly with regard to the vexatious prosecution of the recording issue.

The more I think about this (and other similar happenings) the more I believe that there really is no such thing as ‘freedom’ these days.

Luckily, most of us will never find ourselves in this situation. But that’s all it comes down to really.

Luck.
294 Rusty Carr // Apr 26, 2010 at 5:47 PM

I think the people who are least likely to be abused by the cops are the obsequious kiss-butts who make it plain they’d rather lay down and take it. Anybody with any backbone at all will have the cop in his face mo-skosh-quick.
295 Rick // Apr 26, 2010 at 7:22 PM

I’ve lived in Maryland most of my life – I’m 67 today. The Maryland State Police used to be a quality organization but like most everything else in this state they’ve pretty much gone to a hell in a hand basket. The Sheriff in my county is a good guy and has a good force but I wouldn’t give you a plug nickel for the Maryland State Police!
296 SpliffnCola // Apr 26, 2010 at 8:30 PM

The problem with the officer’s behavior is he was plain-clothed, NOT on duty, and pulled a weapon for an infraction that did not require pulling a weapon. Whether or not the officer knew or didn’t know if the biker was armed is irrelevant when the infraction, AS STATED, was a speeding ticket.

I’ve seen people get pulled over (and have pulled over before because I didn’t know the state trooper wanted the guy in front of me WHEN I WAS SPEEDING) for going 80, and the police do not pull their weapons for a speeding ticket.

This cop has some power issues and needs to be dealt with accordingly.

Put yourself in the guys shoes: if you were speeding (i.e NOT evading the police), and a plainclothes guy pulled a gun on you, i’m quite sure you wouldn’t be saying the same. But you’re a straight edge person, so you wouldn’t be speeding right, so the law doesn’t apply to you?

Cop would be a great job for you as this is exactly the kind of behavior that gets the wrong people killed.
297 Ivy Mack // Apr 26, 2010 at 8:30 PM

Let’s see…random guy cuts me off with his car on an exit ramp, and hops out – he’s wearing blue jeans and a sweatshirt. There are no flashing lights, and nothing to identify him as a cop. He pulls a gun and says to me THREE times, “Get off the motorcycle!” before he remembers to identify himself as State Police. You’d better believe I’m going to try and back up to get away from this loon!
298 Rusty Carr // Apr 26, 2010 at 8:54 PM

And get your ass shot. Then his buddies all lie like crazy to back up his BS testimony.
299 Dodge Ball // Apr 26, 2010 at 9:32 PM

And old, but not too old, RC. The age carries a lot of hard experience in the field, courtrooms, and morgues.
300 SS // Apr 26, 2010 at 9:37 PM

I have a friend with MSP that told me Graber got into an accident on the same bike two weeks after Uhler stopped him. He broke his collarbone and had a couple organs removed….apparently a portion of his brain. He also said that when the police raided him house they found stolen computers belonging to the federal government. What a dumbass!!!!! It sounds to me like Uhler should have stroked him across the helmet with the butt of the gun to knock some sense into that dumbass!!!!
301 kevin costello // Apr 27, 2010 at 12:04 AM

What is the cop doing pulling a gun on a unarmed driver in a traffic stop, just being the bully that he is and always will be. he should be in jail for what he did, then fired
302 JB // Apr 27, 2010 at 2:59 AM

The Australian outback says ‘stay the fuck away from us!’ Seen Wolf Creek? yeah that guy thinks you’re creepy too!
303 detroitjoe // Apr 27, 2010 at 10:09 AM

This cop is lucky, the cops don’t try this stuff in Detroit, cause if some douche bag like that cop is running up to you with a drawn gun in Detroit, chances are the other guy has a concealed pistol permit and then it gets real ugly.
304 Dodge Ball // Apr 27, 2010 at 10:32 AM

Joe, it may just be another person that doesn’t need a permit to carry. That’s what made his act of stupdidty what it is.
305 sj_is_an_idiot // Apr 27, 2010 at 2:30 PM

you are an idiot
306 Rusty // Apr 27, 2010 at 7:54 PM

This cop belongs in federal “pound-me-in-the-@ss” prison, if he doesn’t die of lead poisoning first.
307 JoeG // Apr 28, 2010 at 3:39 PM

Ok I’m going to inject some logic into this emptional debate.

FACT: When the Trooper exited his vehicle, the subject was mounted on a 500+ pound motorcycle capable of extremely quick acceleration.

FACT: When the trooper exited his vehicle, the subject had the motorcycle IN MOTION.

FACT: The trooper was completely justified in drawing his weapon, as he was facing a subject with the immediate means and capability to cause great bodily harm to the trooper (Ever been hit with a motorcycle?).

Now that being said, it was also reasonable for the Trooper to holster his weapon when he did, as the subject had at that point brought the motorcycle to a halt/ the trooper was close enoough to grab him should he start to accelerate.

Also it is standard practice to holster your weapon when a uniformed officer arrives on scene if you are not in immanent danger.

In the video the Trooper does nothing “wrong” other than failing to identify himself immediately, however that can be debated, since he may have felt that he was in immanent danger while the motorcycle was in motion.

Now, all that being said, he was totally in the wrong after the fact. The wiretapping charge was WAY out of line, and the warrant was invalid (any search warrant must be signed by a judge, and have correct identifying information when presented to be considered valid).

It’s unfortunate that the guy on the bike was scared by the cop drawing a weapon, but the fact is that he was justified in doing so. Had he kept the weapon on the subject after the subject complied and was no longer a threat, that would have been wrong. This Trooper actually is displaying extremely good weapons handling, and addressed a potential threat without needlessly endangering anyone.

The blatant abuse of power with the wiretapping charge and illegal search should however be grounds for termination.
308 JoeG // Apr 28, 2010 at 3:41 PM

Ok I’m going to inject some logic into this emotional debate.

FACT: When the Trooper exited his vehicle, the subject was mounted on a 500+ pound motorcycle capable of extremely quick acceleration.

FACT: When the trooper exited his vehicle, the subject had the motorcycle IN MOTION.

FACT: The trooper was completely justified in drawing his weapon, as he was facing a subject with the immediate means and capability to cause great bodily harm to the trooper (Ever been hit with a motorcycle?).

Now that being said, it was also reasonable for the Trooper to holster his weapon when he did, as the subject had at that point brought the motorcycle to a halt/ the trooper was close enough to grab him should he start to accelerate.

Also it is standard practice to holster your weapon when a uniformed officer arrives on scene if you are not in immanent danger.

In the video the Trooper does nothing “wrong” other than failing to identify himself immediately, however that can be debated, since he may have felt that he was in immanent danger while the motorcycle was in motion.

Now, all that being said, he was totally in the wrong after the fact. The wiretapping charge was WAY out of line, and the warrant was invalid (any search warrant must be signed by a judge, and have correct identifying information when presented to be considered valid).

It’s unfortunate that the guy on the bike was scared by the cop drawing a weapon, but the fact is that he was justified in doing so. Had he kept the weapon on the subject after the subject complied and was no longer a threat, that would have been wrong. This Trooper actually is displaying extremely good weapons handling, and addressed a potential threat without needlessly endangering anyone.

The blatant abuse of power with the wiretapping charge and illegal search should however be grounds for termination.
309 Rusty Carr // Apr 28, 2010 at 3:43 PM

I’m not buying that he can skate on not identifying himself as a PO and not having his badge showing.
310 flyingsquirrel // Apr 28, 2010 at 3:50 PM

Just exactly which genius came up with the idea to allow police to pull people over in plainclothes? That guy doesn’t look like a cop. Any idiot with a mouth can say he’s the police. He looks like a carjacker. And in a just world, he would have been shot for doing so.
311 39th Amendment // Apr 28, 2010 at 5:04 PM

Let me preface this with my take on this MC situation; the off duty cop was out of line and the Md. State Police are way off base with their wiretapping charge.

The main reason for my post here is to laugh at those of you commenting along the lines of “if it were me, the cop would have been shot”. HA HA HA HA HA…yeah right. On one side, you have a firearm that is within a fraction of a second of being sighted on your center mass. On your side, you most likely have a firearm on your waist or in a shoulder rig. I can almost guarantee your hand wouldn’t even be firmly around the grip of the pistol before you were dead.

It just goes to show you that there is ignorance on both sides of 2cnd Amendment beliefs.
312 39th Amendment // Apr 28, 2010 at 5:07 PM

Let me preface this with my take on this MC situation; the off duty cop was out of line and the Md. State Police are way off base with their wiretapping charge.

The main reason for my post here is to laugh at those of you commenting along the lines of “if it were me, the cop would have been shot”. HA HA HA HA HA…yeah right. On one side, you have a firearm that is within a fraction of a second of being sighted on your center mass. On your side, you most likely have a firearm on your waist or in a shoulder rig. I can almost guarantee your hand wouldn’t even be firmly around the grip
313 Tam // Apr 28, 2010 at 5:13 PM

“This Trooper actually is displaying extremely good weapons handling, ”

That’s a pistol? I thought it was a teacup…
Tam´s last blog ..Crazy man with a gun!
314 Rusty Carr // Apr 28, 2010 at 5:19 PM

The I-net is over run with wannabe Rambos.
315 Pol Mordreth // Apr 28, 2010 at 5:35 PM

Well, on paper it is.. but it is a ‘May Issue’ state, which means that unless you are politically connected with the local sherrif or whatever else passes for the county mounties there you don’t get a permit.

They also do not recognize permits from any other state.
316 Kristopher // Apr 28, 2010 at 5:40 PM

I CCW … should I draw on every person I talk to, in case they might be armed? Or any person who might be angry with me?

Or is that a special privilege that only cops should have?
317 Kristopher // Apr 28, 2010 at 5:48 PM

If there is no judge’s signature on it, then it isn’t a warrant.

Obey the cop’s unlawful orders, but verbally deny them permission to do anything, look at anything, or even be there. Tell them that they are trespassing while armed ( a felony in most states ).

After 20 minutes ask if you are free to go.

That should set them all up to be thoroughly sued … any cops with sense on the raid will decide to leave at some point during this.
318 Rick // Apr 28, 2010 at 9:17 PM

Being connected with the local sheriff doesn’t get you squat in Maryland. CC Licensing (which is effectively non-existent in the People’s Republic of Maryland) is controlled by the Maryland State Police – that would be the same group with the gun-wielding loose cannon in the article. Maryland citizens have no Second Amendment rights.
319 Archie1954 // Apr 29, 2010 at 12:29 AM

Well SJ you obviously drank from the fascist coolaid that is being forced down the throats of all Americans
320 john b // Apr 29, 2010 at 2:30 AM

What needs to be done here is simple.

Fire the jerk.

Arrest the jerk.

Convict the jerk.

Let his cell mates know he was a cop with delusions of grandeur. Hell delusions of adequacy.

I’m kinda tired of this shit. Let him be made an example for anyone who thinks they are somehow the ruling class because they signed on to ‘serve’…
john b´s last blog ..post from comment!
321 Dodge Ball // Apr 29, 2010 at 10:00 AM

Yeah, but I seriously doubt that the trooper would have been able to come close to center mass or even a person outside of ten yards. He was too wound up. Since he was still unidentified, I would have waited untile he reholstered then ripped him a new ass hole…….while he was looking at the muzzle of my weapon. This is because he still failed to I.D. imself.
322 Dodge Ball // Apr 29, 2010 at 10:04 AM

There are some that are, by far, more skilled than what you think, 39th.
323 Dodge Ball // Apr 29, 2010 at 10:25 AM

Joe, her’s a fact. A car or truck outweighs a motorcycle and its rider by a huge margin.

If it were other than a motorcycle, Uhler would probably have not made such a tactical error. It was a case of acting on the assumption of the motorcyclist being a smaller fish. With that, he extended his authority a little too far.

Uhler unnecessarily placed himself and others into the risk of “bodily harm” and “imminent danger”. THAT can easily be identified as unprofessional conduct and could be just well be official misconduct, since the presentation of deadly force without public recognition took place.

A law enforcement professional should have the proper training and mindset to act accordingly if he is acting in an official capacity while not in uniform. So which one was it? Was it both?

Those who fully defend what what Uhler did are displaying their lack of knowledge in this matter or have never been immersed in it.
324 DeBar // Apr 29, 2010 at 5:57 PM

I had to re-watch the video to see the badge, it is on his right hip under his shirt, and until he holstered the gun he had his left hip forward. His body and shirt were completely blocking it from view until he turned his body the other way and moved his shirt as he holstered the gun.

As for those who say he knew it was a cop because he looked back, If he was doing 80-100mph like the officer said and a car was gaining on him, that would be a good reason to look back at him.
325 DeBar // Apr 29, 2010 at 6:06 PM

“he did mention that he spotted “a strange looking object on the operator’s helmet that was later realized to be a video camera.”
Maybe he thought it was a helmet gun turret and that is whey he pulled his gun until he realized the camera looking thing on his head was a camera, not a machine gun. Just like an Apache helicopter where he looks he shoots. I bet it would be tough on the neck though.
326 DeBar // Apr 29, 2010 at 6:21 PM

The better, safer move if he really thought it wasn’t a cop and he was in danger would be to snap the throttle. That bike would be where he i was faster than anyone could reach for a weapon or he could have even raised his.I have been on one of those bikes, they call them bullet bikes for a reason. If that had not been an officer, but some nut job who chased him at what was stated as 80-100mph and then jumped out with a gun, that bike in that situation is much more effective than coming off the grips to reach for your weapon.
Even if it was holstered to the handle bar it would take longer to draw and fire than pulling the front wheel up between you and him and defending yourself that way. That bike could be raised fast as a shield before he could fire.
327 DeBar // Apr 29, 2010 at 6:46 PM

He cut him off, jumped out of the vehicle, weapon drawn. Yelled get off the bike TWICE as he ran over to him with badge hidden and weapon out before he stated he was a trooper.
It should have been “MD state trooper, get off the bike”, with his badge in off hand or aroundhis neck clearly visible.
328 DeBar // Apr 29, 2010 at 6:47 PM

And that is only if he actually had a reason to pull a weapon in the first place. He obviously had uniformed back up a few seconds behind him
329 DeBar // Apr 29, 2010 at 7:22 PM

yes, it was not hidden, look at the pictures it wasn’t a bullet/lipstick type cam that blended into the helmet, this had to be obvious when he was chasing him from a 1/4 mile back, and then he got out, “worried he might have been armed”and didn’t think he was being recorded on a public street by this guy with a camera attached to his head.

I actually think the bogus warrant and raid are much worse than the stopping him with the gun. In the car I am sure there was adrenaline involved and it was “the heat of the moment”.

The warrant and search were days later, and someone took the time to type it up and supposedly have a judge sign it, then a group of officers drove to his house and detained his family while they searched for illegal material.

That part of this mess required forethought and planning on the parts of several individuals. His mother and sister could have been searched to prevent them from leaving with any “vital evidence” of the so called crime and allowed to go to work and school.
330 DeBar // Apr 29, 2010 at 7:54 PM

I have read many posts saying that he knew he was being chased that is why he looked back. I had thought it was because he noticed the car catching him at those speeds, but after thinking about it. I think another possibility is that he did see the flashing lights…..Behind the car that had been following him at over 100 mph and laughed that the cop was pulling the car over instead of him!!

I know I would have felt like I was lucky that the idiot in that car trying to keep up with me on my bike was getting a ticket and not me. I would have looked back, breathed a sigh of relief and hen eased odd the throttle and blended into traffic like he did.

When I stopped and this nut job blocked me and jumped out of his car with with a gun out and the cops chasing him I don’t know what I would have done.

I hadn’t thought of it like that until just now. If you were driving, legally or illegally and you saw are car at high speed with police behind him, what would you do? If this guy then pulled in front of me and jumped out with a gun yelling get off the bike, get off the bike and I knew the police were behind him I would be afraid of getting caught in the crossfire of this police evading psycho who wants my bike to run from the police and the state trooper that was chasing HIM.

It may have never occurred to me that the marked car was trying to catch up to me and this off duty officer was leading the chase. I may have just been afraid of him wanting my bike and the officer behind me getting out and shooting me while he tried to stop the lunatic that was running from him and now telling me to get off my bike with a gun in his hand.
There are a million possibilities of what could go through your mind at that time. I didn’t see any lights in the video, that doesn’t mean he did or didn’t, but even if he did this is a possible way he may have thought.
The real problem is what they did as a follow up.
331 DeBar // Apr 29, 2010 at 11:55 PM

The motorcycle was in motion because the trooper cut him off!! You can’t create the situation that puts you in danger and then say that if the other person hadn’t let you do it you wouldn’t need to escalate the situation. There was a marked car only seconds behind him(he should not have been leading a “chase” in traffic without proper lights to protect the public) If he had let the marked, lit car make the stop there may have been no need to cut the rider off while the bike was in motion, and then no threat from the moving bike.
332 DeBar // Apr 30, 2010 at 12:15 AM

I would say the officer who chased him for 3 minutes with no lights or sirens was the biggest danger of all. Blocking the motorcycle and pulling his gun mostly risked his own life. If that bike was doing 110 when he passed him he would have had to be going faster than that to catch him in his civilian vehicle. I doubt it had the improved suspension and safety features of the cruiser that showed up right behind him and the video shows no lights or sirens to warn people that the 3000lb car was coming at 110+ miles an hour
333 DeBar // Apr 30, 2010 at 12:18 AM

When he holstered his weapon is when he uncovered his badge, and by then the marked cruiser was on scene
334 DeBar // Apr 30, 2010 at 12:24 AM

He could argue that he wasn’t on duty or performing his duty so he had a right to privacy, but then he would have to admit he had no right to draw his weapon.
335 Pol Mordreth // Apr 30, 2010 at 10:37 AM

Rick:
Thanks, I didn’t realize that MD was worse than Mass in getting permits. Wow..
336 Dodge Ball // Apr 30, 2010 at 10:53 AM

DeBar, there are those that have stated that he was justified in his actions. It seems as if their reasoning is based solely on his being a cop and that he had the authority and right to……therefore he could. Baloney. It’s shallow and simplistic thinking. Well, I also believe that he was acting outside of his scope of employment and abused his authority (technically, he really didn’t have any at that moment) by getting involved in a traffic stop in the manner that he did. It’s quite obvious that he did not initiate the stop. Placing a number of people at risk and including himself in all of that was an act of an overreacting fool. The reckless use of a vehicle and a firearm demands disciplinary action. He should be a candidate for making a presence before a judge.

He needs to be removed from patrol duty, maybe even removal any position that involves making personal contact with the public.
337 Dodge Ball // Apr 30, 2010 at 10:28 PM

DeBar, the forethought and planning on the parts of several individuals constitutes conspiracy. If it could be determined that Constitutional rights were violated by State of Maryland officials, heads should roll. I hope the Feds crawl up some asses on this one.
338 DeBar // Apr 30, 2010 at 11:39 PM

In another post, I am not sure if it was here I mentioned the fact that if he had let the cruiser take the lead with lights on there may have been no need for anyone to block him. Some have said he was justified in pulling the weapon because the bike was still moving. It was only still moving because he cut him off while he was moving. Had the cruiser been in front everyone would have been much safer and he would have had the opportunity to stop for the official vehicle as he was required. He couldn’t be expected to stop for this civilian vehicle and therefore the only reason to stop was being cut off resulting in the bike still moving toward the car and that is what some have claimed was the reason for the weapon. Had the marked cruiser with lights and sirens attempted to stop him and he continued on then there may have been a need to escalate the situation to detain him.
339 CBASS // May 1, 2010 at 2:03 AM

I strongly disagree with the follow-up actions of the police officer after seeing the video online but pulling in front of the biker and drawing a gun seems relevant to me. The dumbass did a wheelie while speeding past a cop and didn’t stop while the unmarked car was in pursuit. Marked or unmarked, regardless if you evade (whether they saw the cop or not, it’s still evading) you are considered dangerous for good reason. As you see in the video the biker looks back while continuing down the interstate. To a cop pursuing that looks like he acknowledges the officer behind him and keeps going. He had every right to think that he was in danger when pulling in front of the biker. As far as not acknowledging he was an officer that’s a tough call considering the ‘heat of the moment’ thing. Most cops don’t have to state they are an officer because they are in uniform so he may have simply put out of his mind that he wasn’t in uniform given the intense situation.
340 Rusty Carr // May 1, 2010 at 2:15 AM

And THAT ladies and gentlemen is the biggest pile of limp dick excuses I’ve ever seen. “….may have simply put it out of his mind…” HAAAAA!!
And what do YOU think when you’re being pursued by a car that has no insignia on the door and no lights on the roof, “Gee, that must be a cop”? Get real, the guy was speeding and pulling wheelies, not planting IED’s alongside the road fer chrissake! There was a marked police car nearbby that could’ve turned on his lights and siren but not, he and Doofus McGoofus decide they’ll make the stop with an unmarked police car. Amateur cops.
341 DeBar // May 1, 2010 at 2:33 AM

Again why should he have thought that this vehicle was a police officer. It could have just been someone trying to keep up with him. Or some nut with road rage who intended to cut him off and pull a gun on him(oh yeah that’s what it was. Assuming he was doing the speeds claimed, and I have never seen where he denies it, when you see a car keeping up with you, odds are you will look back at it. Also he got a good look at this vehicle chasing him and could clearly tell that it was NOT a police vehicle.

When being chased on the highway by a car that is not a police vehicle it is generally more dangerous to stop and ask what they want. I have always been taught that if a vehicle tries to stop you and it is not a police vehicle do not stop unless you are at a police station or able to contact the police and verify that it is an officer stopping you. Many states do not allow unmarked cars to make traffic stops because of the danger to the public with inposters.

If he had been in a car he would have had the option to dial 911 and tell police a car had been chasing him. On the bike he did not have that option.

When you drive fast you often pick up people who want to try to keep up or figure if they are behind you, they can go as fast as they want and you will get the ticket. Police are not the only people who will chase you, and many of the others who will, intend you harm.
I have followed and been followed due to attempting to go fast( maybe not this fast, but faster than 55) and I have also had a few people chase me down because they didn’t like the way I was driving, until I see flashing lights I don’t stop. And he had no flashing lights. I am thinking of watching the video again to see if he even had his flashers on for some sort of safety when he looks or maybe flashing his headlight to alert other drivers.
342 DeBar // May 1, 2010 at 2:42 AM

If he got confused while he was traveling at 80-110mph and forgot he was not in his cruiser or in uniform. or working he has much bigger problems than any of us may have thought. Maybe he was leaning out the window going woo woo pull over.
343 DeBar // May 1, 2010 at 3:26 AM

His own report stated he knew it was a camera at the time. I watched it and did not hear him ask to not be recorded. Technically I think that if he believed that he needed to give permission to be recorded and knew he was being recorded but did nothing about it, later filing charges is entrapment.

He knew a crime was being committed at the time and did nothing until people started laughing at him
344 Zelna // May 1, 2010 at 8:49 AM

@Mark Kalan. Yeah and when it’s raining you get in your car. Ever wondered why there are more accidents when raining than any other day? It’s when the motorcyclists get in their cars and they think they can still bypass anyone and go God knows how much faster than the speedlimit……. And you would need more money so you can pay your medical bills , should something happen to you. Clever people drive in cars which are sooooo much safer than you motorcycle. A boy here on a motorcycle skipped a robot and a lady with a bakkie with children in ran into him @ about 30km p/h. He died breaking his neck. Now if he was in a car, he would have a door to fix…… Just my opinion
345 Dodge Ball // May 1, 2010 at 9:42 AM

“Follow-up” action is not the correct wording for what the State of Maryland did. It’s a retaliatory act that could very easily involve more than just one violation of search and seizure rights. The whole lot of those cretins, from Uhler up to the state attorney, should be smashed with a huge federal gavel. Personally, I’d like to bitch slap them for wasting so much time and resources on something like this versus focusing on real crime.

Uhler, if you don’t get your head out of your ass, someone’s going to smoke you then leave you lying on the road one day.
346 Dodge Ball // May 1, 2010 at 9:48 AM

And it is a shallow opinion at that. You are just soooooo correct about motorcyclists driving cars in the rain. When did you conduct this study?

Moron.
347 DeBar // May 1, 2010 at 10:27 AM

There are more accidents when it rains because visibility is reduced and stopping distance is increased. NOT because motorcyclists are so stupid we can’t tell the difference between being on a bike and in a car. I also do not understand the rest of your comment about skipping a robot, is that some slang term that I may have never heard? And no one with half a brain has ever argued that a bike provideds more protection than a car, truck, or suv.
348 DeBar // May 1, 2010 at 10:51 AM

Lets get one thing straight. From everything that I have seen and read this was not an unmarked police vehicle, it was his personal civilian vehicle with no more safety features to protect the public than that bike had. If the bike was traveling at over 100 mph when he so dangerously passed him. Then he was going at least that fast in his civilian vehicle, not an unmarked police vehicle with the improved handling and safety features of a modified police vehicle. An unmarked would have had lights in the grill or on the dash as well, in order to alert other drivers to the presents of a police officer in an unmarked POLICE vehicle.
At the time this occurred he was a civilian in a civilian vehicle driving reclessly on a public highway in an attempt to catch another driver who was doing the same.
The public was in more danger because of him chasing this person who everyone agrees was going in excess of what is to be considered a safe speed. I was real young the first time I was told that 2 wrongs don’t make a right.
Driving a civilian vehicle at 100+ mph does not protect the public in any way, it puts them in danger!!
349 Rusty Carr // May 1, 2010 at 11:59 AM

Zelna, please go take an English Composition course so we can figure out what you’re trying to say!!
350 Dodge Ball // May 1, 2010 at 3:04 PM

DeBar, not only was he a civilian when hauling ass in his car, he was a civilian when he jumped out of his car with a gun. But I guess it’s O.K. because the effed up State of Maryland exempts him from anything that governs complete acts of stupidity and irresponsibility by public servants. He should have been grilled or even had a court appearance for reckless driving. As far as the hot-dogging with the gun goes, he should have been grabbed by the scruff of his neck and bounced off of the side of his car.
351 DeBar // May 1, 2010 at 4:06 PM

Zelna, do you also think that when it is snowing and icy out there are more accidents because no one rides there bikes, they drive their cars?
352 DeBar // May 1, 2010 at 4:19 PM

Every rider, at one point or another has sat behind the wheel of their vehicle and said” I wish I was on my bike right now” I doubt that anyone has ever sat in their vehicle and thought ” I love riding this bike” You would have to be really drunk and high to even come close to that. If you are intoxicated you do not belong on the roads, no matter what you drive or ride!

Zelna, people like you are the reason that riders are afraid to stop for anyone who is trying to chase them without lights and sirens. I have had my fair share of crazed drivers trying to fight with me because I was on my bike.
353 Dodge Ball // May 1, 2010 at 8:05 PM

The real problem was Uhler’s involvement in the traffic stop being made by the marked unit, which primed the subsequent acts by Graber and the state. It’s quite obvious that his robo cop intervention was not necessary. In fact, the jerk could have made it more than just a problem for many others.
354 Richard // May 1, 2010 at 9:12 PM

OK, it’s May already, weeks after the incident and the odd charges against Graber. So where do things stand today? Have the charges finally been dropped, dismissed, or Graber acquitted (one of which seems virtually inevitable)? Has Graber filed suit against the police related to the absurd charges? I’d love for the Supreme Court to review Maryland’s wiretapping statute as applied here, and teach Maryland officials something about the First Amendment.
355 Dodge Ball // May 1, 2010 at 9:28 PM

It would be great to know the status of that mess. Can anyone find out?
356 Dodge Ball // May 2, 2010 at 10:34 AM

WHAT?!

SS, what you’re stating can only be accepted as hearsay. “A friend with MSP” and what he “told” you amounts to nothing but a pile of crap. IF this so-called friend of yours volunteered this information as you claim, he’s full of shit and/or violated a standard of conduct. I seriously doubt that he was privvy to detailed medical info on Graber.

The excrement you spewed out depicts you as part of Maryland’s litter box. You had better scoop yourself out of it, turd.
357 Joe // May 3, 2010 at 11:57 AM

Any one that sides with thie Pig COP is most likely a Pig COP just posting to make his Pig Cop Pal Feel good.
358 JLR // May 10, 2010 at 2:11 AM

FUCK THOSE COPS, AND THAT JUDGE. The traffic pull over happened in seconds and may have involved a few-second judgment / procedure error; the plainly bogus warrant based on the wiretapping statute took hours of planning, thought and execution, and blatantly violated his Constitutional civil rights in the worst way. I AM AN ATTORNEY
359 Dodge Ball // May 10, 2010 at 9:46 AM

It was far more than a procedural error. It was public endangerment and official misconduct. Conspiracy to violate one’s Constitutional rights should be added to all the other charges. The judge should be hit with courtroom misconduct and removed from the bench as well.

What really sucks is that all involved officials will probably get no more than a slap on the hand and the media seems to have let it go.
360 Jessi // May 19, 2010 at 12:40 AM

Yes, I agree. It looks real bad. I’m just not ready to jump on the cop-hating band wagon yet.
361 Dodge Ball // May 19, 2010 at 9:26 AM

Jessi, just hate the ones that should have never been put on the payroll and do our best to weed them out with prejudice.
362 Brian // May 19, 2010 at 7:41 PM

I have submitted this to basically all of the local news stations. Lets shed some light on this asshole.
363 juan // May 20, 2010 at 1:26 AM

Looks like they are piling on charges. Arraignment is June 1.
364 juan // May 20, 2010 at 1:32 AM

They are piling on charges. See: http://tinyurl.com/26f4hgc
365 Rusty Carr // May 20, 2010 at 1:34 AM

And that means what? We should be obsequeous and express our undying gratitude because he was only HALF phukktard and didn’t go the extra mile to make our lives miserable?
366 Mister A$$hole // May 23, 2010 at 11:43 AM

mg…that was WRONG. Just plain wrong to post that info. By doing that you made yourself no better than officer Uhler. You aren’t any better than that idiot.
367 Mister A$$hole // May 23, 2010 at 11:59 AM

Hey anon nice job being a douche’ bag just like the officer in question. ANYTHING happens to him, his property, his family it’s likely you will be found and held as an accomplice and frankly I hope your cowardly ass fries.
sincerly
Mr. A$$hole
368 Rusty Carr // May 23, 2010 at 12:03 PM

I agree, its just a step away from suggesting that somebody do something illegal. We need to stake out a higher moral ground than that.
369 Mister A$$hole // May 23, 2010 at 12:11 PM

and? A person almost runs into me with a care emerges brandishing a firearm in an agressive manner not identifying himself and yelling to get off the motorcycle…is a thief at best and a murderer at best. The is only one answer for a threat to ones life of that type…you kill them.

I’m sorry rusty but it’s just that damend simple, the coroners inquest and grand jury can sort it out later. I can’t speak for others BUT my life is worth more than the life of anybody who points an unprovoked and unwarrented gun in my face without identifying themselves.

If there is one thing I learned about taking and saving lives in the military is that I do nobody any good if the other guy is alive and I’m not. I’m still alive, still free and still the nicest asshole on the planet. 8^)
370 Rusty Carr // May 23, 2010 at 1:55 PM

The other officer most likely would’ve lied and said he heard the first officer identify himself and show a badge. The best you could hope for would be life w/out parole. Remember, as egregious as this situation was, nobody got killed.
371 IN. U.S. Congressional Candidate // May 23, 2010 at 5:00 PM

We need to be professional about this ladies and gentleman even though your State Police can’t be you as citizen’s can. I see and understand the problem here and your State Elected Officals need to be held accountable for drafting and legislating an unconstitutional bill into law that violates your very right to freedom of speech. There shall be no law created that violates constitutional rights of a person and this is what has taken place. How else will you hold your police accountable for their actions if there is no proof of exsistence, I even understand that the Baltimore Police beat a man and was this videotaped and was the law changed after the police beat a man. Any Judge that finds this man guilty for videotaping police is in violation of the law and should resign his or her post as an elected or appointed Judge. Charges should be dismissed and there should be a launched Investgation on the Maryland State Police by the FBI. fOR POSSIBLE CIVIL RIGHTS VIOLATIONS
372 Rusty Carr // May 23, 2010 at 5:07 PM

Congressional Candidate wrote: “Any Judge that finds this man guilty for videotaping police is in violation of the law and should resign his or her post as an elected or appointed Judge.”

This just amounts to so much pontification. You SOUND like somebody running for political office, that’s for sure!
373 Mister A$$hole // May 25, 2010 at 12:48 AM

Actually you’d be dead wrong…In case you haven’t gotten the clue. I ride, I don’t drive unless I have the family with me. I own many guns and about the only thing I don’t have is full auto. I’m proficient with all of the above and identifying threats (you have to be as EVERY car driver out their is a scum bag) That officer was a mortal threat, period and I wear kevlar when I ride. I’d be cleared and the liar behind me would have been in prison or worse.
374 Rusty Carr // May 25, 2010 at 1:32 AM

Holy shit MA, you’re just one tough sunnuvagun? What super hero comic book did you escape from?
375 Mister A$$hole // May 25, 2010 at 9:08 AM

RC that might be true…but the second cop has a camera running also. Doesn’t bother me if he perjurs himself. See that is the fundemental difference between I a motorcyclist and you who obviously don’t. I’m not scared of the police or anyother of the morons driving around.
376 Liam1306 // May 25, 2010 at 5:40 PM

First, being in plainclothes and lacking a uniform to “announces” his presence and gain willful compliance, the off duty (?) officer presented lawful authority by pulling his sidearm, and then announcing his authority.

Perfectly legal.

Each and every private citizen retains the constitutional right, and sometimes duty to observe and document law enforcement officers in the public exercise of their publicly appointed authority.

This is official oppression.

Hire an attorney, this ones a paying slot machine!

But
377 Mister A$$hole // May 25, 2010 at 6:25 PM

Gee rusty? You mean nobody dying is a good thing??? I never knew that! The second officers dash cam would have proven he had perjured himself. Who would have guessed, I mean that hasn’t happened before.

Now you tell me. A man comes at you with a gun yelling and screaming like lunatic…would you defend yourself at the expense of his life and your freedom for a short period of time. OR would you stand there and gawk and sumbit to being robbed and or murdered? Hmmm? I know my answer…and no I don’t care WHO he turns out to have been before his funeral.
378 Rusty Carr // May 25, 2010 at 6:46 PM

I tell ya what Mr. A$$hole, the next time somebody gets the drop on you with his gun, please let me know how it works out with you trying to draw on him and fire a stopping shot before he nails you COM and cancels your ticket. If you can pull that off you’re a better pistolero than me or even Wild Bill Hickock.
379 Dodge Ball // May 26, 2010 at 9:55 AM

Liam, it’s after the fact and somewhat imperfect legality.

Until he properly identified himself, Uhler was not acting within the scope of his authority and misrepresented that authority. He was an extreme liability, unless the state of Maryland condones and promotes foolish actions by their officers. Placing the public into a potentially harmful or lethal position with his vehicle then with his unholstered sidearm goes beyond the lack of protocol. First, the operation of his vehicle in traffic in the manner that paralleled the motorcycle created more of a hazard. Secondly, without immediate (and I mean on-the-spot) and highly visible identification on his person he could have easily triggered an ugly scenario, with him becoming a possible gunshot victim. There was nothing presented to him that warranted the unholstering of his sidearm. For pete’s sake, he’s a state trooper, one who should have the skill to quickly draw and fire if needed.

If I were sitting in my vehicle, stopped in traffic, and some unidentifiable fool jumps out of his car in an aggressive manner with a pistol, I would instantly recognize it as an imminent threat. I would engage him with extreme focus and proficiency.

You are right about the observation and documentstion of public servants.
380 Paul Molloy // May 26, 2010 at 11:47 AM

You’re kidding right. Are you on drugs? Given your assertion every traffic stop should involve a drawn gun. Come on back down to earth, there is absolutely no excuse for what happened on the road or at the Victim’s home.
381 anonymous // May 27, 2010 at 11:18 AM

Isn’t Uhler a GERMAN name? I’ve seen cops with a lot of weird last names that do not seem american. What has been going on is a small war on America the last 40 years through this “911″ emergency system we have. Doesn’t anyone notice, everything is “911″ or “9/11″. The “911″ system has been implemented since 1967, and look what has happened, the slow steady weakening of America.
382 Philip E // May 27, 2010 at 11:40 AM

So this has made CNN, and it of course shows this event “in the media spotlight” turning it from a wrongful arrest story, into an “illegal wiretapping” story. crock of garbage
383 Kristen // May 28, 2010 at 11:01 AM

I don’t think he really thought he was armed. I think he was trying to intimidate the biker.
384 Mary Mallon // May 28, 2010 at 11:18 AM

Big deal…this woman did 4 months in jail for videotaping a Judge on a public beach who made some comments about women’s breasts. She used to date the Judge.

http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/palm-beach-post/mi_8163/is_20070803/woman-faces-felonies-video-judge/ai_n51963436/
385 Rusty Carr // May 28, 2010 at 11:41 AM

“Chief Judge Kathleen Kroll was aware of the investigation. “Judges like everyone else are entitled to a reasonable expectation of privacy, especially when they are out of the courthouse not performing judicial duties,” Kroll said.”

NO THEY ARE NOT!! What “reason expectation of privacy” exists on a public beach?
386 Rusty Carr // May 28, 2010 at 11:42 AM

Dang. That shudda been “reasonable expectation of privacy.”
387 juan // May 30, 2010 at 5:00 PM

The story hit CNN and the ACLU is involved.

http://networkedblogs.com/4lOSP
388 Carol // Jun 3, 2010 at 10:23 PM

I’m afraid of the police too. I would never call them if there were an intruder or other threatening situation. I now know to handle those myself.

The police are nutjobs. Why would you add another psycho nutjob to an already bad situation…? What police do is go to people’s homes and first order of business…? Shoot their dog.
389 Fed Up With Graber // Jun 4, 2010 at 8:11 PM

Graber had two marked cars behind him. When he would not dismount, the unmarked cop cut him off and drew his gun. Until Grab turned off his motorcycle or dismounted, he was considered a threat. The police acted accordingly.

However, he is charged for posting a recording of a policeman without his consent. How can that be refuted? Of course Graber is at fault for this. His speeding and reckless driving were poor decisions, but he committed a felony by sharing his highway experience with the world. End of story. It’s too bad he now regrets that decision…He should have thought before posting the ridiculous footage on YouTube.
390 Rusty Carr // Jun 4, 2010 at 8:22 PM

Fed Up, we see your straw man. The issue is not Graber’s behavior before the stop, he has not denied any of that. The issue is the behavior of the “out of uniform” LEO who exited his vehicle with out his badge visible and drew a weapon on a guy who was stopped on the side of the road. If that’s standar police procedure anywhere in the U.S. please tell us where.
391 Dodge Ball // Jun 4, 2010 at 9:48 PM

Fed up, just what foundation are you applying for this imminent “threat” that Graber posed as he was sitting on his motorcycle? If you believe what Uhler did was in accordance to protocol or legality, you are a fool or in total ignorance of police procedure and law. As far as this alleged “felony” is concerned, it’s clearly a matter of some stupid Maryland State Trooper’s ego getting stepped on. Federal intervention is in order.

Just what (if any) credibility do you have to present yourself in such a “story”?
392 Carol // Jun 5, 2010 at 1:34 AM

Some decent analysis from the Cato Institute:

http://www.cato-at-liberty.org/2010/06/03/revise-the-maryland-wiretap-law/
393 Dodge Ball // Jun 5, 2010 at 9:31 AM

So why doesn’t the the state of Maryland get its head screwed on straight? Let’s just hope that with all of the notoriety, this crap gets shut down.
394 Rusty Carr // Jun 5, 2010 at 1:10 PM

The wheels of justice turn slowly and when somebody thinks his ox is being gored they turn more slowly yet!! Somebody in Maryland needs to generate a campaign to pressure the state legislature into action.
395 Morgan Gibbs from MA // Jun 6, 2010 at 9:39 AM

It’s not just this guy that’s a thug, though. When my friends and I were 14, the day after the last day of school we were sitting in the grass in the park eating ice cream and talking. Before we knew it, we were accosted by the police for “suspicious behaviour”. Ok, 5 14 year olds, all girls, sitting and eating ice cream in the park is suspicious behavior.

Not saying that all officers are like that, but their are a disturbing number that should NOT be given any sort of power over others.
396 Bentor Tazenda // Jun 20, 2010 at 11:00 PM

This is in the news again. It is being discussed on FARK. http://www.fark.com/cgi/comments.pl?IDLink=5427211

The article that Fark is discussing is http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/15/AR2010061505556.html?sid=ST2010061505592

The article mentions this blog!!!

Scaringly – the article said that Garber is selling his bike because is is now too nervous to ride because he has been made afraid of the police.

According to the latest article he has been arraigned and the case will be proceeding to trail. The state is going to prosecute. Though a judge could still dismiss the case, the article reports it would be unlikely.
397 Dead Serious // Jun 23, 2010 at 1:29 AM

I think you’re right on with that. There needs to be a reasonable expectation of privacy. That’s why, say, a customer service call may tell you that the call may be recorded. It dismisses any expectation of privacy. By continuing with the call, you’re giving approval for the recording. There was no expectation of privacy here, clearly. The camera was attached to the top of the helmet, in plain view, so essentially, any time Graber was looking at the cop, he was filming him. If I’m out in public, videotaping trees or birds or whatever, and you jump in front of my camera, you can’t then claim I filmed you without your permission–we’re in a public place, the camera is in clear view, any actual video of you is incidental. That’s why (I think) the judge threw this out.

And really, I think that’s the biggest problem here. It’s not whether or not the cop handled himself properly during the stop. (For the record, I think his behavior was uncalled for, but I’m also inclined to give the police more leeway in that sort of thing because of the dangers they face.) The video makes him look foolish, but I don’t think it would have amounted to anything more than maybe a reprimand and some ribbing in the locker room. What bothers me so much more is that the cop then–without any obvious reason other than perhaps feeling shameful and vindictive–escalated the whole thing. Not only was he wrong to do so, he can’t have done himself any good. The charges are incredibly bogus and his actions only made this a MUCH bigger story, making him look even worse. The story has gone national: I’ve seen it tonight on a couple of national news channels. I have a feeling that Uhler did what he did thinking the power of the police was going to cover him. I have another feeling that he’s going to find out that there are things even more powerful than the police, things such as the media and public outrage.
Dead Serious recently posted..No Rants. No Funny.
398 Phil // Jun 24, 2010 at 1:07 PM

I know many good cops. This ain’t one of them, but a typical pig.
399 ANON-too // Jun 26, 2010 at 3:19 AM

Anthony J Graber
3425 Henry Harford Drive
Abingdon, Maryland 21009
443-987-6487

Public Record
400 ANON-too // Jun 26, 2010 at 3:25 AM

Let Anthony know you cannot break the law by riding like an idiot. If you followed the basic rules of the road, none of this would have happened. Instead you feel that you are above the law and can video yourself commiting acts of crime. Officer Uhler took it easy on you and gave you a ticket that is far less than what you diserved. You then decided to bring further attention to your idiot act, now you have a heavier burden to pay.
401 ANON-too // Jun 26, 2010 at 3:31 AM

I am not a police officer but I have known officer Uhler for a long time and he is not a thug cop. In fact, he is the complete opposite. In fact, the only thing that your video shows is that you are a irresponsible rider that thinks they own the road. You share the road with families and put their lives in danger by cutting them off and driving too closely to them. I am one of those families. I live very close to you and I use the same exit that you got pulled over on everyday. As a father that cares for his children, I ask you to slow down and drive like you have some sense.
402 ANON-too // Jun 26, 2010 at 3:44 AM

Officer Uhler’s military record goes far beyond Anthony’s and it is probably the fact that he was looking out for a fellow military officers that he gave you a break in the first place. It’s a shame that things have come this far. Anthony’s actions have caused a ripple effect, not only does it effect the persons involved but it also effects the families, they have a high price to pay too. That is not something that everyone posting on this site is thinking about.

Site’s such as this one have produced threats of physical violence and has posted private information for the parties involved. Since everyone seems to be ok with that, I posted Anthony’s information four postings above, just to level the playing field.

I hope that Anthony realizes his responsibility.
403 Dodge Ball // Jun 26, 2010 at 10:15 AM

Well, let’s hope that the prosecution will be ridiculed for moving forward on its case and the judge be made a fool if he doesn’t dismiss the case.

Carlos, the media coverage needs to be increased!
404 Dodge Ball // Jun 26, 2010 at 10:52 AM

ANON, spare us from the parenting and sharing of the road stuff. It’s academic and only being perceived as blabber. Your defense of Uhler’s actions is weak. Just because you know the clown doesn’t make him holy and incapable of screwing up. One may not be a thug, but he can still be a dumb-ass.

Yes, it’s been determined that Graber did commit a serious traffic offense. He has accepted that. On the other hand, Uhler acted wrongfully as well. He also placed the public into danger, and probably at a greater level than Graber. The questionable operation of his car and the unwarranted presentation of deadly force (weapon) constitutes that.

As far as the state’s prosecution and the use of the wiretapping law is concerned…..it’s a joke. I hope that there are federal charges in the near future that focus on conspiracy to violate one’s civil rights.

I have been a law enforcement officer for over a quarter century, so my comments carry far more credibility than the crap you threw out.

Graber didn’t walk and neither should Uhler….. period.

Oh, and since you know this trooper, you might ask him to pull his head out of his ass.
405 ANON-non // Jun 26, 2010 at 11:39 AM

First, I never said he was holy, I only described his character and he is not a thug.

But,

We could get in to a pissing contest about who is right, but I’ll wait until the trail in October.

Also, the head in the ass is genius.
Hahahahahahahahahahah…..sarcasm…..hahahahahahahah
Why would i find his head in his ass, is that where you’ve been looking?

I say take your badge away, coward!
406 ANON-non // Jun 26, 2010 at 11:42 AM

TO DODGEBALL

dodgeball has proven that they infact do let any retarded asshole carry a badge.
407 ANON-non // Jun 26, 2010 at 11:49 AM

SO.
408 Dodge Ball // Jun 27, 2010 at 12:06 AM

They were both wrong, you idiot. What Uhler did presented more of a threat to the public than what Graber did. Carrying a badge does not exempt him from disregarding public safety and acting like a fool over a traffic violation. He grossly overextended his authority, just like you are overextending the function of your brain in the recognition of logic and reality. It would not have been a surprise if someone double-tapped his ass as he approached Graber. Anyone jumping out of a car waving a Sig around like he did is a fool.

I really don’t want to get into a pissing contest with someone who squats to urinate.
409 SJ JR // Jul 4, 2010 at 11:23 AM

Fuck you and your fellow brother in the video. You’re Americas largest street gang.
410 Tim // Jul 12, 2010 at 10:32 PM

Wow. Very impressed by Anthony’s behavior here.

If somebody (not wearing a uniform) cut me off, jumped out of his car, and ran at me with a pistol in his hand, I would not have just sat there. I’m not sure just what I would have done, but there’s plenty of crazies on the road and that’s exactly the behavior of someone who’s out for blood.

I wonder: if the officer in this case was driving his personal vehicle, and somebody cut him off, jumped out of his car, and ran at *him* with a pistol drawn, what would he have done? Would he have assumed the man running at him with pistol drawn was another cop?
411 Florida Sport Bikes Blog // Jul 17, 2010 at 11:49 PM

@ Mark Kalan I don’t know.
Florida Sport Bikes Blog recently posted..Down by Jay Sean rocks New songs I love
412 drew // Jul 19, 2010 at 3:03 PM

It’s getting to the point when you say, “Not all cops are bad” and that worked for awhile, now it’s more like “only a few cops are actually good”
413 Steve O // Jul 19, 2010 at 6:22 PM

You guys are a bunch of crying liberal babies. Iff puss boy didn’t want to arrested, probably shouldn’t have blown by that state trooper to post his little gas-ass youtube video. Cop was in the right. Never pointed weapon, just had it out incase puss-boy decided to use his 500 lb. weapon he was sitting on.
414 ongtroi // Jul 19, 2010 at 6:33 PM

Steve,
What make you think the guy with gun was a cop at that time? If I was Anthony Graber, I would speed up much faster to get the hell out of there for my safety. To me, the guy with gun looked more like terrorist than cop.
415 Dodge Ball // Jul 19, 2010 at 9:26 PM

Steve, there’s no way that I would perform a stunt like that on my motorcycle. There’s no question that Graber was way out of line. That kind of riding in traffic pisses me off.

Anyone in jeans and a sweatshirt (no immediate presentation of being a LEO) who foolishly jumps out of a plain jane car near me with a weapon in hand would unknowingly have my cocked and locked 1911 ready to be rapidly trained on him. Someone else could have easily done that in that incident.

There were stupid moves made by both parties.
416 Maria // Jul 20, 2010 at 8:14 AM

How are people still arguing about the speeding? Of course he was speeding, and of course he should have been pulled over. There’s no debate there. Graber has never said he wasn’t speeding or that pulling him over was wrong. It was -how- he was pulled over that’s disturbing. And even then, it was what happened after he posted the video that’s the most fucked up part.

Judging from how far behind the marked car, is – oddly without flashing lights, he would have been pulled over in that exact spot by the highway patrol even if Uhler hadn’t been there. We are talking seconds here.

Uhler is angry. You can see it in the video. He’s pissed off. I would have been scared shitless if someone in the car next to me pulled up tight like that and got out brandishing a gun, s visibly angry. I would have been backing up thinking I was about to be a fucking victim of road rage.

But the real issue is – whether Uhler made a procedural mistake or not, and one that goes beyond the fact that Graber was speeding – that Graber has every right to post his video, as do you!

If Uhler was working under cover and now feels his cover is blown by his 15 minutes of Youtube fame; then, if his under cover work was so important, he most surely shouldn’t have been engaging in traffic stops to begin with. No matter how angry he got with the biker who just zoomed past him and especially since he must have known about the marked highway patrol. I mean if we assume Graber knew it was there, despite no head movements to indicate this, we must assume Uhler knew it was there as well, and that it had things under control?

Especially since it’s obvious that he realized he shouldn’t have his gun out in the first place when he hid it behind his frame as soon as he noticed the marked cruiser pull up.
417 winston // Jul 20, 2010 at 7:24 PM

shocking unprofessional behavior. Certainly being a police officer is no easy job, but goodness gracious! The man was driving recklessly not terrorizing people with a weapon. That was left for the responding officer. I say, fire the cop and the judge who issued such an obviously vindictive assult on his familys’ home!

Shame on any law enforcement officer that defends such actions. We all answer to history.; so think of that before you act there Rambo.

The officer should be apologizing and receiving some professional training. Astonishingly, his actions were defended by his superior by saying that he pulled his gun out because he saw Graber backing up… as if that were any justification to take out a a firearm. I hope the prosecutors’ office has more more knowledge (and common sense) of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

The judge should be removed. How do they justify raiding the man’s home? I hope he sues the hell out of the city and forces them to apologize!
418 Ds // Jul 20, 2010 at 8:22 PM

While I am entirely against police prohibiting the taping of their PUBLIC actions as PUBLIC servants on PUBLIC property.

That said, the rider in question was in most states committing what is called “Reckless Endangerment.” At his speeds, not to mention the maneuvers mentioned his bike was quite simply as deadly as a bullet. There is a very sound reason most offenses of this nature are considered felonies.

For the officer to approach with a weapon drawn is not just common sense, but protocol near-nation wide for an offense of that nature.

I cannot agree with the following actions or claims that the police can order an individual taping a public act on public property, however the officer in question did *not* make a mistake approaching with weapon drawn and ordering the suspect completely off the bike before he re-holstered his firearm.
419 Ds // Jul 20, 2010 at 8:28 PM

Steveo: Leave out the insults and derogatives next time and you’ll have a very good point that people will take seriously. Don’t sell your intellect short by lacing your posts with irrelevant banter, your point should be more than enough to carry the post.
420 Tom Joad // Jul 20, 2010 at 9:05 PM

Hopefully other LEO’s will take this as a lesson and think before intimidating people who tape officers. In this case, I am sure it would have simply been lost in cyberspace, but with the suspect search and seizure over a traffic infraction and apparently questionable warrant, it has gone viral. Remember this, that cyberspace make make you look like a complete idiot if you are indeed being one.
421 Adam // Jul 20, 2010 at 10:03 PM

I’ll be sure to shoot anyone running up on me with a gun. Self defense where I come from. That would be The United States
422 Katja // Jul 21, 2010 at 12:00 AM

How are people so outraged about this police officer who, admittedly, was wrong to pull his gun (though I too would have been worried that such a reckless a-hole might do more dangerously reckless things, if I were that cop) and especially wrong when he hadn’t identified himself first? DID YOU SEE THE VIDEO? It’s recording the guy popping a wheelie and driving IN EXCESS OF 120 MPH ON A WELL-TRAVELED HIGHWAY. Are you all drunk? Or are you really that happy over the greatly increased odds of a really serious accident for both the biker and any cars that are forced to take drastic measures to avoid said accident? I mean…it’s not bumper-to-bumper, but there’s a good amount of traffic on this road. If something should go wrong, say, the man surprises a car trying to change lanes because he speeds up out of nowhere doing 100 mph while the car driver thinks it’s clear….I mean, traffic laws are there for a reason and if anyone flouts them this badly, hell yeah send their ass to jail. It’s disgusting. Like I said, this cop was wrong in the way he carried out the traffic stop, but DAMN if I don’t think the biker’s reckless driving was the worse crime. Punish the cop, PUNISH THE BIKER. I take other people’s lives very seriously and I cannot STAND when jerks like this guy potentially endanger lives as a thrill or a joke.
423 HolyCow // Jul 21, 2010 at 5:31 AM

The thing that bothers me is no where does UHLER state in his warrant which he writes in high detail of him pulling his gun… You watch the video and Uhler sees the squad pull up and hides his gun behind his left leg then holsters it. He did not want the other trooper to see him with his gun out since that trooper would have drawn his own gun as well and all that would have to be documented. Doesn’t these squads have dash cams and since they are recording stops with motorists don’t they themselves have to get the motorists permission? There is no exemption in the laws as I read it? Also this took place on a public street and not expectation of privacy. If the charges stick then no one even news crews can video tape anyone period.
The point I am making is UHLER never states he drew his weapon and he is required to file a use of deadly force report HE HAS TO; yet there again in his own statement for the warrant is no mention of having doing that. Heck the bike rider was backing up because an angry asshole got out of a car and pulled a gun. The biker was wrong in what he was doing; also an estimation of speed will not hold up n court – been there and done that already. The car Uhler driving most likely wasn’t under cover and most likely he was off duty. I see a major oh shit factor towards Uhler, the state, and allot of money in a civil rights case against Uhler and more.
424 Dodge Ball // Jul 21, 2010 at 8:54 AM

There’s been no clarification in this blog whether Uhler was in an equipped state vehicle or his personal car. However, I didn’t see any antennas on it and there were no strobes flashing. If it was his own car, there was no emergency lighting and more importantly, the absence of a radio. Making a traffic stop like that in one’s POV in combination with the brandishing of a weapon is an act of bullshit bravado and is dangerous. Being out of communication with one’s agency while engaging is such an act, as any experienced officer would know, is stupid.

Why did he drive like a maniac (he had to) to catch up with Graber? Why did Uhler attempt to hide his pistol from the uniformed officer in the patrol unit that pulled up?

Uhler suffered from a fit of road rage, and he foolishly used his authority to carry it out.
425 Boaz // Jul 21, 2010 at 12:26 PM

I am usually pro cops but this smells bad. I say get a good lawyers and make some money off these guys.
426 BigHoss // Jul 22, 2010 at 4:26 AM

Too bad it happened in Maryland. If this would have happened in Texas with a person having a Concealed Handgun License, that would have been dead cop. Yet, another over-aggressive pig upholstering his weapon without his badge in plain view in civilian clothes and in a personal vehicle.
427 Dodge Ball // Jul 22, 2010 at 8:24 AM

Big Hoss, the idiot may not get double-tapped, but he could very well get slammed onto the hood of his car and get a Tony Llama enema after he reholstered.

The DPS isn’t infected with little dickwads like the MSP.
428 Bossbleed // Jul 23, 2010 at 2:41 PM

Thank goodness the driver wasn’t black or they probably would have shot him.
429 The Greek // Jul 25, 2010 at 10:12 AM

I would have drawn my pistol so quick on that un-uniformed cop and shot him in the leg. Some maniac jumps out of a car with a gun and no id? Thats asking to get shot in my opinion. Douche bag. This kid should sue the hell out of the entire department.
430 Mathias // Jul 26, 2010 at 3:08 PM

LOL. From the case information ( http://bit.ly/bvJu2D ):

“Charge No: 3CJIS Code:1 5579Statute Code:CJ.10.403
Charge Description: Possession Of Interception Device”

Possession of interception device? Anyone with a camera that can record videos, which is pretty much every digital camera, is guilty of that, then?
431 Mathias // Jul 26, 2010 at 3:55 PM

This is really upsetting to me. Last fall, I was in a situation where a car cut me off on my bike and someone held a gun out of the window. It wasn’t a cop, it was someone trying to mug me.

I made a run for it and escaped. It was clearly the right decision. I would have made a run for it in this situation too. Would I have been evading arrest then? Maybe I would have tried to hit the guy with the gun with my bike. Would I have attacked a police officer then?
432 Dodge Ball // Jul 26, 2010 at 3:55 PM

Challenge the crap out of it.
433 Mathias // Jul 26, 2010 at 4:50 PM

To those people who think a plain-clothes cop without a badge visible exiting an unmarked car with a gun drawn is reasonable:

In that case, the first word out of his mouth should have been “police!”
434 Dodge Ball // Jul 26, 2010 at 8:55 PM

But that would have been exhibiting intelligent professionalism. Trolls don’t do that.
435 ongtroi // Jul 26, 2010 at 8:58 PM

Mathias // Jul 26, 2010 at 4:50 PM

To those people who think a plain-clothes cop without a badge visible exiting an unmarked car with a gun drawn is reasonable:

In that case, the first word out of his mouth should have been “police!”
*************************************

What happen if he is a terrorist and he also shouts out “police”?
436 Dodge Ball // Jul 27, 2010 at 5:46 AM

Either way, he would still be a target.
437 Timothy // Jul 28, 2010 at 4:08 PM

Yeah, the cop fucked up, I don’t really judge him for that. It could happen to anyone, that being his job is the job in which his particular brand of human error gets into. However, adding charges, and trying to criminally charge the guy was an awful way to deal with this. He got the Internet involved. HATE MACHINE ON.
438 Indy Guy77 // Jul 29, 2010 at 12:07 AM

There is absolutely no valid reason for any police officer to fear a videocamera or its recordings’ release.

Every one of us should be pushing our lawmakers to make recording ALL public servants with or without their consent or even knowledge 100% legal in every circumstance.

What possible moral, logical or legal reason do they have to fear public exposure of their actions?
439 Dodge Ball // Jul 29, 2010 at 1:22 PM

With reasonable logic, there is no reason. It should be considered as a means to maintain order, on both sides of the badge. The key is to continue challenging the attempts to supress it.
440 jery // Aug 3, 2010 at 10:51 AM

2 words, fu*&*& nazi…
441 john smith // Aug 5, 2010 at 12:38 PM

The bigger issue here is statism… All forms of government lead to this kind of behavior by those with a monopoly on violence.
442 j.c.adams // Aug 5, 2010 at 2:52 PM

The “body language” on Uhler’s face is totally frightening. This Uhler was totally out of control. A simple check — in just one Maryland court — of records for a “Joseph Uhler” shows 116 items. This person has a very active and aggressive court presence — which is quite telling in itself. And the location of his holster in “plain clothes” or “off duty” dress while driving in an unmarked or personal car indicates that this guy really has a violent or sociopathic stance. He’s at-the-ready and looking for trouble. Someday he’s is going to kill or hurt some innocent person real bad — and if the circumstances are right finally get tagged in a big civil claim. To be paid by the state. Here’s the most obnoxious part — this “dedicated public servent” with his normal overtime easily costs the state $100,000+ per year in direct cash compensation. And with his lavish benefits that police are given he probably has at total “employee” cost of $150,000++.
443 Princess // Aug 5, 2010 at 2:57 PM

Whistler blowers are supposed to be protected by law. All that was done here was reveal a very dumb and stupid cop that probably does this sort of thing regularly!
444 Dodge Ball // Aug 5, 2010 at 8:19 PM

J.C., you forgot to mention that besides getting someone hurt or killed, he may pull a stunt like this on the wrong person and then his number would be up. This person could very well be in far better tune, be legal, and put him down. After all, there are a lot of feds in the area.
445 jim pruett // Aug 6, 2010 at 12:41 PM

Nice wheelie.
While you are riding around, why don’t you map out the speed limit signs around Maryland. Its fun. I did it for Memphis using a cellphone.

Its a nice way to get back at the insanity on the roads these days!

Rgds,
Jim Pruett, Founder
wikiSPEEDia.org
446 Poepoe // Aug 7, 2010 at 7:14 AM

At least it wasn’t that cop in Maryland that blew that dog away at the dog park, that cop might have ran you over then shot you!! WTF is wrong with MD cops?
447 bgwillia // Aug 7, 2010 at 10:25 AM

One-party rule for too long.
448 mitch // Aug 7, 2010 at 11:59 PM

Notice this: The cop gets out with his gun and says; get off the motorcycle BEFORE he says he is state police. Now, if the bike guy had been carrying concealed and he shot the cop dead because he thought he was being jacked, I say he woulkd have been in the right. This cop deserves to be fired, guys that act this way do NOT need to carry a badge and have power over the public when they cannot and in this case did not control his temper. He (cop) was pissed off and whipped his pistol out, which could have gotten him shot right on the steet. Obvious power trip ego here, showing no respect for the publuc. Can his has before he really hursts someone.
449 Dodge Ball // Aug 8, 2010 at 1:11 AM

Not only that, Mitch, he didn’t have a visible shield on his belt or have any credentials in his non-gun hand. If carrying concealed, a LEO in civvies does have the responsiblity to immediately prove his identity if he clears leather. Anyone can say they’re a cop. He put his ass before his brain.
450 JimAmerica // Aug 8, 2010 at 5:15 PM

Wow, I can’t believe the idiot cop would charge for wiretapping. The camera is QUITE OBVIOUS to even a 4 year old… I guess the police really are immature if they don’t realize they are being recorded audio/video on a 110% clear as day camera! GET REAL, now this man will surely sue the state and win because the cop was obviously way out of line. What a douche bag, and if you read this now police officer, I would say that to YOUR FACE. If that was me, I would have ran since he was the one who should be arrested for not showing his badge.

Honestly, he’s more worried about scaring the man than actually doing his job…. I hope the cop is fined and jailed for his moronic moves and thoughts… what a clear dipshit!
451 411 // Aug 9, 2010 at 11:20 AM

Instead of calling the Lt. Gov’t and Governor, why don’t we just voice our opinions directly to the source:

Joseph D Uhler
34 Rock Hollow Ct
Elkton, MD 21921
(443) 406-7439
452 Bustyn // Aug 9, 2010 at 1:27 PM

When a trooper pulls a citizen over, if he is recording the stop he will usually inform the driver that the stop is being recorded. Why? I have no idea. It’s not like the driver can say “I do not consent to having this stop recorded, so turn the recorder off”. So since a citizen cannot compel an officer to turn off a recorder (video or audio), why even bother informing him or her? And if a citizen cannot compel an officer to turn off a recorder, why should an officer be able to compel a citizen to turn off the recorder? This “We can record you, but you can’t record us” crap has got to end. Mr. Uhler, you sir are a disgrace to the profession.
453 A Norwegian Chap // Aug 9, 2010 at 4:08 PM

I guess it’s to make sure people know they are being recorded so they can’t say they incriminated themselves on camera without prior notice they were on camera recording audio and video.
454 Kamchief // Aug 9, 2010 at 4:11 PM

OMFG 411! :-0 You are so screwed for posting Mr. Uhler’s home address & phone number. Just because his personal information is available at whitepages.addresses.com doesn’t give you the right to post it here. ~ ROTFLMAO

By the way, Trooper Uhler, you may want to quit while you’re behind or you gonna get buried in the $h*t-storm you’ve stirred up; otherwise you may end up out of a job. Idiot!
455 Tony // Aug 11, 2010 at 10:15 AM

http://www.copwatch.org/
456 lol // Aug 14, 2010 at 9:07 AM

what a nice place to live Mr Uhler

http://maps.google.com.au/maps?q=34%20Rock%20Hollow%20Ct%20Elkton&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-GB:official&client=firefox-a&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl
457 Viper // Aug 14, 2010 at 9:29 PM

Utterly ridiculous. This cop should be fired on the spot. Drawing your gun for a speeding ticket? WTF?
458 ec // Aug 15, 2010 at 2:06 AM

File a FEDERAL/CIVIL ACTION against the cop and whole department!
459 Dave // Aug 15, 2010 at 5:01 AM

The motorcyclist was endangering the lives of hundreds of drivers on route 50 with his stupid behavior. The cop was trying to protect the lives of people by getting morons like this off the street. I for one am tired of seeing motorcycles race at speeds up to 150 and popping wheelies. He only had a camera to show off his criminal activities to his hooligan friends. He got better than he deserved.
460 Michaelk42 // Aug 15, 2010 at 5:39 AM

@Dave

Way to bring up a “defense” that was mentioned and debunked several hundred comments ago.
Michaelk42 recently posted..Unsurprisingly- Pogan gets no real punishment
461 Dodge Ball // Aug 15, 2010 at 8:44 AM

Too little, too late, Dave. Go back to sleep.
462 Dave // Aug 15, 2010 at 9:19 AM

@Michael, Dodge Ball:

Sorry, no sale. The “victim” is trying to steer the conversation away from reckless endangerment to 1st amendment rights, it appears from this forum that he is succeeding. The guy broke the law, plain and simple.
Dave recently posted..FBI police harass student for photographing “sensitive” area
463 Dodge Ball // Aug 15, 2010 at 11:36 AM

Your logic sees that there was only one act of reckless endangerment commited by only one person. Just what the hell do you think prompted the the 1st amendment issue, Dave? If you wanted to buy it, your “plain and simple” logic can’t afford it.

Be more specific. Which law(s)?
464 Roger // Aug 15, 2010 at 3:31 PM

Every body is out of line, the cop, the biker, every body! They all need to be brought up short. The only thing that is not is the act of recording. So of course that is what they charge on. They all need there asses kicked, the biker for riding the way he did, the cop for his actions and the DA for being a fool.
465 Dave // Aug 15, 2010 at 4:23 PM

@Dodge Ball -

Sorry, still no sale. The police in is case have probable cause to get a warrant for the videos because the illegal activity is happening. I am quite sure that they loved that the perp was filming his misdeeds, and would love to have more crime caught on film.

The 1st amendment issue is a red herring.
Dave recently posted..FBI police harass student for photographing “sensitive” area
466 Richard // Aug 15, 2010 at 6:00 PM

Ahh the big problem here is:
1. The police officer..picked from the human race
2. The motorcycle rider picked from the humam race
The police officer did a baaaad thing and he knows it.
The motorcycle rider did a baaaaad thing and he knows it.
Congress is doing a whole bunch of baaaaad thing and they are still doing it
lets go after the real bad guys …spend more time on real priorities
467 AVillagreen // Aug 15, 2010 at 6:26 PM

If you sited the cop wrong then you are not smart enough to think on your own….listen to the whole story…
468 Criminal Defense Attorney // Aug 27, 2010 at 4:52 AM

I am a criminal defense attorney. I’m telling you that so you don’t assume I am a cop when you read my comments. When the officer exited his vehicle, the motorcycle rider was attempting to flee. That becomes a felony stop in most states and an officer is entitled to draw his weapon. Even if the motorcycle rider was not attempting to flee, it looked like he was from the officer’s point of view. The officer never pointed his weapon directly at the motorcycle rider and he could have. The officer was not rude to the motorcycle rider. The officer said get off of your motorcycle two times and then said “State Police.” Shortly after the officer said “State Police,” you can see a marked car in the background. Obviously the motorcycle rider knew he was being pursued by the police. The officer, in my opinion, did not do anything wrong and seemed very professional considering the circumstances. I like motorcycles as much as the next guy, but doing wheelies at excessive speeds endangers the lives of everyone around him. If you want to hear stories about excessive force by police and things of that nature, I can tell you stories. Believe me from experience when I tell you that this officer was very professional. To the rider who got stopped by this officer…you got caught. That’s it. The officer did his job and you have to face the consequences. If anyone was unprofessional in this case, it was you. You tried to make this officer look bad all because you got caught breaking the law. Even though I defend people, I still respect the police. They protect me and my family and they protect yours too. Of course there are bad cops. I have come across many. However, the majority of cops are good and do their job properly. To try and disparage this particular officer’s reputation is sad because when cops do their job professionally, like he did, they should be commended, not insulted. It’s good the guy no longer rides. Our streets are safer without riders like him on the road.
469 Michaelk42 // Aug 27, 2010 at 6:40 AM

“I’m telling you that so you don’t assume I am a cop when you read my comments”

No, I just assume you’re a random cop apologist who hasn’t read the thread.

Nowhere do you justify prosecution for wiretapping in this response.
Michaelk42 recently posted..Unsurprisingly- Pogan gets no real punishment
470 Matt // Aug 27, 2010 at 7:36 AM

I have been a Law Enforcement officer for all most 28 years and as I agree that the subject on the motorcycle was braking the law by reckless driving the officer was in the wrong also, first off why did the officer pull his weapon? Was the stop a felony stop? why was the officer in plain clothes and why didn’t he have a marked unit there? Where is the officers badge, or any ID to say that this guy is an officer? (Me personally I would feel very threatened by some one approaching me in this manner and as an officer met force with force) In all of my time on the road I have never pulled my weapon on a normal traffic stop (and this situation sounds to me like a normal traffic stop). The truth is this officer did not do his job properly and doesn’t need to be in Law Enforcement he is the type of officer that gives the good officers a bad name. And Dave @dodgeball The 1st Amendment is an issue here, there are things in all amendments that we may not like at times BUT they are there for a reason. If you start picking the amendments apart they become useless and we WILL fall into a communist country and not the Grate Nation that we have become.
471 Dodge Ball // Aug 27, 2010 at 8:23 AM

Defense Attorney, you didn’t focus on the incident in whole. Who else was operating a vehicle, a much larger one at that, in a manner that was a threat to the safety of other motorists? I recommend that you read my posts on this and reevaluate your view. If you don’t recognize the merits in the points that substantiate the trooper’s misconduct, your barristering skills must be weak.
472 92Heelgrad // Aug 27, 2010 at 1:14 PM

Regarding Criminal Defense Attorney’s comment, I am also an attorney and former prosecutor, and I disagree about the felony stop conclusion. I also think the biggest issue here is the subsequent wiretapping charges which are of dubious merit. The motorcyclist was not eluding a police officer because he was only backing up prior to the officer identifying himself. It can’t be a felony stop prior to the officer identifying himself.
I do get a chuckle reading all these posts from the internet tough guys who think they would have shot a highly trained officer dead if they had been in the motocyclist’s shoes.
473 Anthony // Aug 30, 2010 at 1:29 PM

Uhler, I know you’re reading this. Next time you decide to act like a toughguy, make sure you show a badge and identify yourself as a cop BEFORE you draw your weapon. If it was me, I would have shot you dead in the street thinking you were some car jacker.

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