Dallas Police Officer Delays NFL Player While Mother-In-Law Passes Away

In a story sure to make your stomach turn, Houston Texans running back Ryan Moats, along with his wife Tamishia, were pulled over Thursday by officer Robert Powell of the Dallas Police, after rolling through a red light. 

While you're trying to figure out exactly what's wrong with that scenario, let me add this.  Powell, after exiting his vehicle immediately, drew his gun (and kept it drawn), even after the Moats' explained they were rushing to the hospital to be with Tamishia's mother who was actively dying of breast cancer.

After making sure the path was clear, Moats gingerly rolled through the intersection, before being pulled over by Powell, a three year veteran, in the Baylor Regional Medical Center parking lot. 

Tamishia, who claims Powell pointed his weapon at her almost immediately, was ordered back in the car, but chose to enter the building to be with her dying mother.  Ryan Moats wasn't so lucky.  He argued with Powell, explaining the situation to the officer while precious minutes elapsed. 

The argument escalated as Moats became more frustrated.  Powell was heard saying, from videotape of the incident:

"Shut your mouth!  You can either settle down and cooperate or I can just take you to jail for running a red light."  Powell continued, "I can screw you over.  I’d rather not do that. Your attitude will dictate everything that happens."

The debacle lasted 13 minutes, during which Moats was given a ticket and lecture from Powell, before Moats was able to see his mother-in-law, who unfortunately had died.  All Moats had to say about the incident was, "I think he should lose his job."

At this time, Officer Powell has been placed on paid administrative leave, pending a formal investigation.  My take is that being a police officer is one of the most life-threatening jobs there is, one that involves quick decisions and a good set of instincts—two things which Officer Robert Powell seems to be sorely lacking.