What Would You Have Done? Traffic Stop of Army Officer Sparks Nationwide Controversy

Authors Current Events Jordan Michaels This Week

Recently released bodycam footage of a traffic stop in Virginia sparked nationwide controversy last week after an Army lieutenant was pepper sprayed by a police officer for refusing to exit his vehicle.

In a lawsuit filed in U.S. district court, attorneys for the lieutenant claim the officers violated his civil rights when they threatened him with “riding the lightning” and sprayed him with pepper spray. But law enforcement professionals point out that the lieutenant didn’t immediately pull over when stopped by police, and he disobeyed dozens of direct orders to get out of the car and lie on the ground.

Second Lt. Caron Nazario was pulled over on December 5, 2020, when police failed to see the temporary license plate taped inside his tinted rear window, the lawsuit claims. After the officers turned on their emergency lights, Nazario drove for one minute and 40 seconds before pulling over in a gas station. Nazario claims he was trying to find a well-lighted place, and the officers admit in their report that he was driving at a low rate of speed with his turn signal on.

Body cam footage shows what happened next. One of the officers notifies dispatch that they are engaging in a “felony traffic stop,” and Officer Daniel Crocker can be heard yelling for Nazario to “put his hands out the window.” Both Crocker and the other officer, Joe Gutierrez, have drawn their service weapons, and they tell Nazario no less than 45 times to “get out of the car.”

Nazario keeps both of his hands outside of the car for much of the exchange, and he asks the officers repeatedly why he’s being pulled over and detained.

“What’s going on?” he asks at one point.

“What’s going on is you’re fixing to ride the lightning, son,” Gutierrez responds.

SEE ALSO: WATCH: Good Samaritan Pulls Gun to Stop Insane Road Rage Incident

“What’s going on? What did I do? I did not commit any crime,” Nazario says.

When Gutierrez tells him that he’s being stopped for a traffic violation, Nazario claims he doesn’t have to get out of his vehicle. “It’s a traffic violation… I don’t have to get out. You haven’t even told me why I’m being stopped,” he says.

In his lawsuit, Nazario says he didn’t exit his vehicle because he was afraid of being shot by the officers. Before being pepper sprayed, Nazario says, “I’m honestly afraid to get out.”

“You should be,” Gutierrez responds.

When Nazario continues to not comply with his orders, Gutierrez holsters his taser (which he had exchanged for his handgun moments before) and pulls out his pepper spray. He sprays Gutierrez in the face and repeats his orders to get out of the car.

“I don’t even want to reach for my seatbelt,” Nazario says.

Eventually, Nazario unbuckles his seat belt, and officers force him to the ground. He was released without charges, though Nazario claims they threatened to destroy his military career if he spoke about the incident.

“There’s no need getting this on your record,” Gutierrez is heard saying in the bodycam footage. “If you want to fight it and argue … if that’s what you want, we’ll charge you, have you go to court, notify the commander, do all that,” Gutierrez said.

SEE ALSO: Traffic Stop Gone Bad: Off-Duty Cop Threatens To ‘Blow A Hole Right Through Your F***ing Head’

Nazario’s attorneys argue that the incident is indicative of a larger trend of hostility among police officers towards black people

“These cameras captured footage of behavior consistent with a disgusting nationwide trend of law enforcement officers, who, believing they can operate with complete impunity, engage in unprofessional, discourteous, racially biased, dangerous, and sometimes deadly abuses of authority, (including issuing unreasonable comply-or-die commands,) ignore the clearly established mandates of the Constitution of these United States and the state and local laws, and usurp the roles of legislator, judge, jury, and executioner; substituting the rule of law for their arbitrary and illegal conduct,” the lawsuit says.

The Town of Windsor, Virginia, where the incident took place, announced this week that they have fired Gutierrez for his role in the incident. “It was determined that Windsor Police Department policy was not followed,” town official said in a press release, and “disciplinary action, and department-wide requirements for additional training were implemented beginning in January.”

The Virginia State Police have also opened an investigation into the incident, according to Windsor officials.

Former police officer Brandon Tatum broke down the incident in a recent video posted on his YouTube channel. Tatum points out that Nazario didn’t comply with multiple orders from officers, and the officers had a right to detain him for their own safety.

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  • wiscogunner June 24, 2022, 10:17 am

    The officer should have answered the man’s question. Tell him what traffic violation he allegedly committed. If he had done that, the driver could have pointed the officer to the temporary license in the back window. The lead officer sounds like he is under too much stress and maybe needs some time off to decompress. I support our law enforcement and understand that they face uncertain situations every day but in case like this where the citizen has his arms out the window, just clarify the charge and all of this could have been avoided.

  • Mr Frank August 9, 2021, 12:39 pm

    What probable cause did the officers have to detain this man? Taking 1 minute and 40 seconds to find a safe place to pull over is justified. We tell women to do that l the time. Is this gender bias? I don’t think the stop was racially biased as I don’t believe his race was identified before the stop. I do believe there was racial bias after the stop. Very poor police work!

    • BR549 January 1, 2022, 11:55 am

      Mistakes on BOTH sides, here, but since since the officers are actually being paid to know better, I put most of the blame on them.

      The driver, Lt. Nazario, had done one thing correct by reducing his speed and putting his turn signal on. In With almost 60 years behind the wheel, this has been a standard practice for all of my driving years. Reducing one’s speed is seen as showing deference to authority and putting the turn signal on (presumably in an under-lighted section of the road) conveys on’s intentions to seek a better lit environment. It is safer for BOTH parties and helps reduce confusion. The complement to that action is for law enforcement to turn off their siren while following close behind with lights flashing.

      That communication of actions, again, where the driver acknowledges what is being requested of him and the officer’s understanding of that, is the FIRST level of de-escalating an encounter before the vehicles have even stopped. We don’t have enough details here to know how underlit the roadway may have been. but 1-1/2 miles and then pulling into a WELL LIT gas station pretty much confirms the driver’s original intentions. Indeed, and quoting the article, ……… “the officers admit in their report that he was driving at a low rate of speed with his turn signal on.”

      At this point, the ball was in the officers’ court …… and they blew it. This was further compounded by the younger officer repeatedly screaming at Nazario to exit the vehicle. From the safety of their own vehicle, they could have just as easily used the bullhorn in a less-threatening tone of voice and I’ll bet Nazario would have responded quite differently. But these two officers were in the YAHOO mode and by the time the older black officer had made his de-escalation attempts, he had already lost his opportunity for a civil encounter,

      Nazario, on the other hand, might have just as easily taken his gun out and put the barrel in the roof of his mouth. His continued use of the phrase, “What’s goin’ awn”, pretty much guaranteed that the encounter was going to go south. The man was an idiot and I doubt if he were under stress within a military context he would be of much use. All I saw in the video was “deer in the headlights” instead of his being able to REPHRASE his concerns into more intellectual English. The hallmark for ‘command presence’ is to actually be in control of your own emotions, FIRST, so that you have a chance to be the ‘parent in the room.’ That obviously didn’t happen here on either side of the encounter until much later.

      My two cents.

  • brianjmiller April 24, 2021, 2:59 pm

    The level of bootlicking in these posts is pretty typical. The Fudds and authoritarians here would likely be the first ones to turn in their neighbors during confiscation, etc. The 2LT was right and the cop was wrong, which is why the latter lost his job.

  • J perry April 19, 2021, 12:26 pm

    What needs to happen is cops need to not fear to do their job. Whenot these fool’s red yellow black or white are non compliant tazer them or whatever it takes. ALL THIS BLM CRAP has went to their heads and they are tryin to score a 27 million $unjustified law suit like that george Floyd fool who If they had shot him when non Compliant they would not have had the law suit or any rioting we need to get a grip on these arrogant fool’s because they are black now they are above the law BS Next one of their riots where they feel they have the right to tear up cities they need their ass shot like anyone else would be this I’m black I need special treatment ,pop some lead in that special no compliant ass.

    • Yep yep April 19, 2021, 4:25 pm

      Can’t disagree with that!!!!

  • D.J. April 19, 2021, 12:14 pm

    That clown is really Officer material ?

  • Maglide April 18, 2021, 11:33 pm

    The United States Supreme Court has ruled and officer can order a driver from the vehicle at his or her discretion. End of story. The “Lieutenant” in the military does not understand civilian law enforcement and constitutional rulings on police procedure. The fact that he drove nearly two minutes not yielding to police emergency equipment, to go to a lighted place, can be a stall tactic to swallow drugs, hide weapons, etc. So, one drives to a lighted place, only to remain secreted in their vehicle where it’s very hard for officer’s to see inside with flashlights. That’s inconsistent. I want to get out if the cops want me to, and they can see my hands aren’t fishing around for my wallet or my Glock. And they will never be surprised by anything. So, is the Lt looking for a payout, or was he hiding something. Will he be courtmartialed for not submitting to commands of a police officer? Once you are detained for a traffic stop, you have to comply with commands. Not getting out of the vehicle, after 45 commands is now resisting, or obstructing which in many states is a felony. Let’s see if the military goes with a dishonorable discharge as should be the case.

  • Scott Syverson April 17, 2021, 1:59 pm

    I believe that the army officer conducted himself properly for this situation. First, he is aware that he has not broken any moving violations – he asks “what’s going on” and “why am I being stopped”. This makes this event highly suspicious. Everyone, including the video’s moderator claims the police have the right to protect themselves as a priority. WRONG!! The first thing we are taught is when signalled by police to pull over where “IT IS SAFE TO DO SO”. This officer acted appropriately in pulling over. He did nothing to exhibit he was trying to escape and signalled his intentions to comply by using his turn signal. He is not compelled by law or otherwise to call 911 and explain his reasoning as the moderator is complaining. But because the car operator did not jump and immediately pull over, the officers chose to draw weapons!? Really!? For a traffic stop. The very actions of the police officers use of violence – and drawing weapons that threaten lethal action IS VIOLENCE- justifies his every action including setting up the phone to capture everything. Additionally, note the army officer’s calm demeanor and command presence in a tense situation and ask yourself, who is in control of themselves in this situation – the army officer or the police. Other commenters stated they would have complied with the officer’s commands to get out of the vehicle. Really?? You think the best play is to step out from cover to expose yourself to someone who is out of control and pointing a weapon at your center mass?? The threats to ruin his career made by the officer was another form of violence. The police officer made that threat because he knew his actions during this whole incident were not supported by the legal authority extended to him in his duties. That is why there was no citation issued. This army officer was fully within his rights to protect himself first and foremost. His calm, coolheaded control of the situation prevented him from being shot and only maced.

  • Rey Leron April 17, 2021, 1:40 am

    I read all the comments here. I am pro Constitution. I’m also pro safety. If the Police deem it not safe, then they should call for back up before a doing approach after the stop. How is it a felony traffic stop when someone ones to be safe? If there is wrongdoing, why did they release him with no charges? These are a few of the questions that need to be addressed. And when is it law to speculate the, he could be this or that.

  • Charles White April 16, 2021, 11:59 pm

    I would have complied with the first officers orders. As an Army officer he should understand that. If he had complied with the firs officers orders none of this would have happened.

    • Steve Comstock April 18, 2021, 5:57 pm

      i agree 100% just get out, do what you are told in a timely fashion, and boom…you are on your way

  • Mike Walters April 16, 2021, 11:30 pm

    I got pulled on 81 in Va by a unmarked back in 2002. He followed me for approximately 10 miles before lighting me up. I was from SC & tinted windows is what got me pulled. I respect the law but this officer was the biggest asshole ever. After he slides the light meter over my window he tapes on the glass and said “you fail”. Then he stated there was something about me he didn’t like. Ask me if there was anything in my car he needed to know about. I stated there was a Glock 9 under my front seat. He came back with in the state of Virginia that was a FELONY, a pistol has to be laying in plain site. Then he told me to get out of my car. Started harassing me if I had drugs in my car. We went back and forth with it with me telling him there was none. He stated he thought there was. I finally gave consent to search. 1 hour wait for K9 & nothing found.
    VA has the worst cops there are.
    I hope he gets a ton of $$$$$$ from this because I know how they are in VA.

  • Rick April 16, 2021, 11:18 pm

    I wonder would would happen if the fine Lieutenant gave an order to one of his soldiers and they failed to initiate it. The one missing ingredient in all these incidents is COMPLY, COMPLY, COMPLY. You can always file a complaint later. If you look at most of these cases against Police. Most are escalated by the person failure to comply.

    • Jamaica April 18, 2021, 10:13 pm

      I understand and I follow orders however in Texas when you are pulled over if it is a traffic stop you u do NOT have to get out of your vehicle you only have to roll your window down enough to hand the officer your license and registeration. I was taught to respect officers and obey the law but I was also taught my rights and how to protect myself by not all officers have your best interest at heart, and they threatened him by he knew he had went to far. It is also why he no longer has a job.

      • Jamaica April 18, 2021, 10:48 pm

        Sorry for typos by was bc short for because and the extra u. I did not look at all the info on the driver just read what the site put up. It does seem he was trying to escalate the situation also on my comment I am a female and disabled so would have been very different if an officer started yelling at me I would do my best to comply but I would be terrified but I have driven probably a mile to pull over to a well lit and safe location for both myself and the police officer but the two times once because I had a blinker out once going 2 miles an hour over limit the officers had no problem. I will say when you’re courteous and respectful that tends to go a long way. Someone in the military should know that but the media is making everything worse and polarizing an already precarious situation making it more difficult and dangerous. Yall have a nice evening.

  • John April 16, 2021, 9:27 pm

    I wouldvhacmve snapped that pigs neck

    • maglide April 18, 2021, 11:36 pm

      You would have tried. I’m not sure what wouldhacmve is, but it probably matches your fighting ability skills as well as your ability to form a coherent sentence.

  • 308Pete April 16, 2021, 9:00 pm

    The Army lieutenant was pretty calm, I would not have been I guess. All the cop had to say is ‘where’s the tag’ and the lieutenant may have realized posting behind tinted glass is a bad idea. However cops that threaten with ‘ride the lightning’ or ‘you better be afraid’ is a violent escalation that deserves accountability.

    Do I appreciate cops? Yes – up to a point only. But I’m also white. I’m sad this still goes on.

    • PATRICK W April 17, 2021, 11:29 am

      Yup, I’m white and have always been in LE, but ofcs like this are a shame. Asshole for no reason, I’ve dealt with many of them with this attitude and behavior as well. You don’t have to be black to get it but it is uncalled for.

    • maglide April 18, 2021, 11:37 pm

      Guy who doesn’t pull over for over a minute and a half who is white gets the same “what the hell’s going on. The only one making race an issue is you. And I’m white….

  • Zakk April 16, 2021, 8:11 pm

    The LT stated he was afraid to get out of the car for fear of being shot. This is the BLM, Left’s, and media’s handy work, instilling fear into everyone’s head. It’s a crock, and many times it is having the opposite effect because the individual ISN’T COMPLYING, which puts the officer(s) in a more defensive and agitated state (yes, I do know what I am talking about…not only am I a retired detective but I also have a degree in psychology). Why must it always be non-compliance? When I was a kid (I’m sure it was the same for most of you as well) we were taught to respect the police, and OBEY what they said if we ever got into any trouble. What is wrong with some people? What changed in society? And don’t give me the white cop shooting black people…I can show proof that even the BLM has inflated those numbers to make it look worse.

    • Mark April 18, 2021, 9:29 am

      Completely agree…you nailed it!
      It’s not about race; though the politicians supported by the media want to portray it as such. I’ve never been chased nor shot at by the police because my parents taught me to never run from the police, to cooperate and to respect them. Where is the media coverage of officers being shot at while making a traffic stop? They’re walking into an unknown situation (possibly others armed in the car); so who should be afraid. Comply and there’s no problem. I’d hate to see this Lieutenant in actual combat; talk about being afraid. And because of the political bs of “racism” these officers will be hung out to dry. So sad!

    • Steve Comstock April 18, 2021, 5:58 pm

      to be fair…they had already pulled their weapons and pointed them at him….its reasonable to think the man was scared….with or without any input from the rad left

  • Kent San April 16, 2021, 3:35 pm

    I would have asked him to calm down, assure him no one wanted to harm him and then answered his question as to why he was pulled over. As opposed to being a Goober Fucktard redneck.

  • Phil April 16, 2021, 3:22 pm

    Lt wanted his 15mins of fame, just like everyone else right now.
    Let’s make a story out of a routine stop.
    Key word here relates to a lot of what’s going on lately….COMPLY!!!!!!!!!!!

    • David Baker April 17, 2021, 1:24 am

      This is complete bullshit the cop was a moron makes me sick

      • Jon Anonomous April 18, 2021, 12:55 pm

        And you’re a MORON to think Lt Snowflake isn’t to blame. It’s a marked cruiser, he lights you up pull the fuck over this is no time to joy ride, this bullshit “I’m scared” really? Then resign your commision in the U.S. Army as we don’t need a puss bag like you leading anybody. Comply with the LAWFULL commands of a police officer, don’t argue, you got a problem deal with it later in court, get the names a file your complaint BUT on site DO WHAT YOU ARE LAWFULLY TOLD!
        And to all you cunts that think this soyboy Lt was wronged, Fuck off and grow the fuck up.
        Learn respect, learn the law. You can’t just do what you want!

      • maglide April 18, 2021, 11:41 pm

        When people don’t pul over for 2 minutes it’s usually a warrant, suspended license, drugs in the car, trying to figure out what to do to not go to jail. Maybe fight the cops, etc. Very few slow speed chases take place for legit reasons. Stall tactic. So the cops are on edge and using command voice to get compliance. Citizens are morons, and some make me sick as they don’t understand. Now I could say, Sir, we disagree on point. But you’ve already made a determination without knowing much, and have said it makes you sick. So, I’ll just return the calm talk you started and just say, shutup.

  • David Einspahr April 16, 2021, 2:59 pm

    A little patience on the cop’s part wouldn’t hurt anything. I was stopped for speeding on a motorcycle once and when I reached for my wallet to show my license the cop apparently thought that I was reaching for a gun. He tackled me. I fell on my hands and knees with him on top of me. He was screaming for me to get down. He had to say it 4 or 5 times before I realized what he was saying. For someone who has never been treated like that before it wasn’t my first instinct to lay face down in the dirt. I can see why some cops are twitchy but a little patience generally would go over better. The cop that tackled me jumped into a knife fight to try to stop it about a year after he gave me the ticket. He didn’t live through that one. Enthusiasm can be a great thing but it can be overdone.

  • Gerald T. Osborn April 16, 2021, 2:44 pm

    I am a lawyer and have practiced criminal defense for over 30 years. I note that from the photo of the driver sitting in his Cadillac Escalade with his hands raised out the open window it appears that the rear windows are tinted and are essentially opaque at night, which is when this occurred.
    So, I am wondering how the police officers could observe the race of the driver before they pulled him over?
    Regardless of that, the driver ought to have pulled over much sooner – for all the cops knew there was a kilo of heroin underneath a corpse in the back of the truck/car.
    Yet the subsequent escalation appears to be overreaction by the cops.
    Will the driver prevail in his lawsuit? It looks to me like a defense verdict is likely.

  • Joe April 16, 2021, 1:15 pm

    IS lack of respect is being taught in the Army? If that is the case then the military is going down hill, look like a case of court-martial is coming in his short career..

  • Ike April 16, 2021, 12:54 pm

    Coming into the comments I expected to see some good points made. Instead I find a bunch of people brainwashed into buying into this new scam of people getting rich off of suing police when they are obviously not complying. Him setting up his phone to record was a big red flag, secondly his long record of violations… I’d like to see those tapes. Bet he settles quick because those tapes will prove he’s been working on this for some time.

    • David Baker April 17, 2021, 1:39 am

      The guy was just moving into a well lit environment; he was obviously was just doing the math by if he had pulled over in the dark the probability was higher to have been falsely shot, moving into a well lit area made better sense. The cops in this particular case are completely in the wrong and pisses me off watching this to no end. This is not a case of someone trying to get a paycheck but rather than someone trying not to make any sudden moves and speaking calmly to deescalate this high strung out cop that was loosing his shit

  • Eric Holder April 16, 2021, 12:34 pm

    Yes many people are afraid of the Police. In fact it has been suggested through various means to citizens that IF they fear Police to drive to a public or safer location to pull over. The Police do not like that because they feel like the person is a murderer and trying to flee. Remember though the Police do NOT have to initiate a stop exactly where a violation occurs. The Police can chose to initiate the stop at either a safer location for them (tactical) or a more public location. I have for some years been telling people NOT to play “Simon says” with the Police. What I mean is that they should not follow Police commands as given during “felony car stops or during detentions when they are told “lift your right leg, okay lift your left leg, stand on your head” etc. Yes ridiculous. I tell people they should simply not move at all. Do absolutely nothing, freeze. The reason is simple: look at Daniel Shavers execution. Police will tell you to move or will give confusing, contradictory commands and then you lose “Simon says” and you are shot and killed. Some will argue that Police orders must be followed but Police orders are subject to interpretation, what I mean is in our society when people can on a daily basis argue what the meaning of “IS” is (Bill Pig Clinton) or what the words can not be infringed means then langauge is very scary and unclear. Ever heard the arguement or statement that I was “so scared that I froze and could not move at all”? This is better than I thought I was following the Police orders telling me to keep my hands up and unbuckle my seat belt or I was getting my license registration and insurance card when the officer demanded it so I reach where I had them in the glove compartment and then I was SHOT. No movement, freeze give the Police no excuse to shoot a statue. Lastly I stopped a car that had 4 occupants that had disregarded a stop sign. Yes I worked in an area that was mostly black and they were young, 3 males and a female in the vehicle. They took a bit longer to stop and I worked alone but I gave them verbal commands which they disregarded. There seemed to be a lot of movement in the vehicle and the front seat passenger was turning around several times doing something but I could not tell what. Of course I had my weapon drawn at the low ready position. As I finally was able to get a clearer look at what was going on the driver had a hearing aide and the others were deaf mutes from a nearby hearing impaired school. They were communicating by signing and the drivers hearing aid batteries were going under so it was a bit difficult for him to hear the siren or my commands. Once he had seen the lights from my patrol car he had pulled over and stopped. These kids were all very nice kids but collectively the circumstances were raising my concerns since my experience of guns and drugs in the area I worked were pretty common. After the stop I spoke with my supervisor and told him of what occurred and concerns over the safety of people who may be hearing impaired or not acting in a manner Police expect. There are all types of behavior and compliance. Another term I use is “reluctant compliance” where people are detained and they are given an order and then say “fuck you, I ain’t going to do it” yet in fact are doing what you tell them such as put yor hands on the back of the car. I would encounter this behavior where people are upset and verbally insult you and yet they comply. I always found it interesting and people have a right to freedom of speech. Some would say “the Police suck” and I would say “you are right and it’s worst when you have to wear this stupid ass clown suit” when I was in uniform. The other cops would be surprised when I would side with people bad mouthing the Police but really who cares and I always felt being unconventional had great merits. People always expect the Police to be 1. Big assholes 2. Be 100% Pro Police no matter what is going on. This is a huge divide between people. Don’t get me wrong there are a lot of dangerous and bad people in the world but killing decent people is going to solve that problem as much as restricting the rights of people buying guns through legitimate gun dealers. I wrote a lot and now I am backed up on my orders of illegal machine guns I am shipping to the cartels today. Oh well.

  • john April 16, 2021, 12:26 pm

    One less gang banger on the street– at 20 yrs old this POS already had warrants out for his arrest. The cop did us all a big favor Wright probably would have committed murder down the road. Give the cop a medal and a key to the city.

    • Darnell Patillo April 16, 2021, 7:16 pm

      one less gangster,20years old? what story are you talking about?

  • A. Landmesser April 16, 2021, 12:18 pm

    This man was clearly trying to provoke the officers. He disobeyed them multiple times. He is unfit to be an officer and should be court martialed for conduct unbecoming.

    I am sick of these Lefturds pretending the laws do not apply to them or they can do what they please. I’d love to see how he’d treat someone under his command who pulled this shit with him.

  • J man April 16, 2021, 12:13 pm

    If the first thought is to pull your gun during a traffic stop ,then you are in the wrong profession . Time to take up coding . If you are in fear of your life all the time ? Sorry does not warrant that . Cop was fired ,DOJ and FBI are investigating .What does that tell you , Oh and the commenter ? Good thing he only did six years as a cop .

  • RALPH April 16, 2021, 12:10 pm

    When I began watching the video, I was anticipating being on the side of the Army officer (I served as a Marine), thinking that the cops over-reacted. No longer do I sympathize with the officer. The Army officer was ordered dozens of times to exit his vehicle and he refused. I cannot imagine disobeying an order from a police officer. Whether one thinks the order is rational or legal or well-justified is of no importance. Police officer issues an order; we are obliged to comply. I think the Army officer could have pulled over sooner, but I’d give him a pass on that as he was driving slowly, had his turn signal on and claims he was looking for a safe place to park. He put his hands out his window to indicate submission and that he was not holding a weapon.

    But, the Army officer’s refusal to exit his vehicle in spite of dozens of commands to do that gives me reason to suspect he somehow was impaired or had something to hide and my support has swung completely over to favor the police officers. I’m a bit of a “news junkie” and it seems consistent that Blacks are pre-disposed to disobeying the commands of police officers, which behavior then (predictably) escalates what would otherwise have been a routing traffic stop into very dangerous, sometimes fatal, consequences.

    God bless our police.

  • Lynn Dornan April 16, 2021, 12:06 pm

    Mr Michaels did a great job reviewing this traffic stop. What scares me most is on a site like Guns America are the comments I have read above disrespecting and degrading police officers. Comments like these coming from gun owners is disturbing. I have been raised around and owned guns all my 74 years. I served my country in the Marines and in combat in Viet Nam but the above remarks are disgusting.

    • Budman April 16, 2021, 6:42 pm

      I would like to know why you didn’t post my reply to Tom Perkins? NO foul language was used and it was a direct response to his statement. Your website will be deleted if I don’t get an answer.

    • Jim April 16, 2021, 10:53 pm

      What does being a gun owner and siding with the cops have to do with each other. You will probably find that some of the most anti 2A people are the cops. A lot of police officers think they are the only people who should have firearms.

  • Budman April 16, 2021, 12:02 pm

    I would of pulled him out of the car thru his vent window! He continually refused to comply with the officers command and purposely held his left arm on the door lock so officers could not open the door. Not knowing why he was been so uncooperative I would have had my gun barrel in his ear till he was out of the car and handcuffed. That’s the way we used to do it. But now a days seems every black male refuses commands or tries to escape. If you could, just ask any cop killed during a “routine” car stop how he should of handled it.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:17 pm

      ” Not knowing why he was been so uncooperative ”

      If you were smarter, you’d know no one can ne co-operative with contradictory orders.

      • Budman April 16, 2021, 5:07 pm

        Let me tell you something little Tommy. A cop needs street smarts and a PHD in psychology to stay alive out there today. Most cops take the job to help protect people who can’t protect themselves. All they ask is to go home at the end of their tour. When you make a car stop you don’t know if the driver is a 90 year old lady or a guy that just mass murdered his family. Your actions are dictated by how the driver reacts to being pulled over and subsequent conversation. I have no qualms taking the offense if mine or someone else’s safety is at risk. It saved lives in my former life, including my own.

      • Budman April 16, 2021, 7:17 pm

        FUCK your moderator and your website.

    • Douglas Partch April 16, 2021, 3:38 pm

      It’s a very easy answer.

      Comply with the officers orders and commands. PERIOD.

    • Hippybiker April 16, 2021, 3:59 pm

      You are the problem in this country! You ignore the Constitution and think it’s alright to be a “Freebooting Thug!” You disgust me!

    • Douglas Partch April 16, 2021, 4:05 pm

      He was in the wrong.

      Here is the main thing nobody is focusing on. He is Lt in the Army, he knows how to and has been trained in giving and following orders. If I was his Commanding officer he would be getting some type of military discipline.

  • James Wickman April 16, 2021, 11:43 am

    The Lt was wrong and was trying to set something up.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:18 pm

      Prove it.

      Right now, the only evidence is the police were incompetent.

      • Yep yep April 17, 2021, 6:39 am

        You’re a joke😂😂😂😂😂

    • Yep yep April 17, 2021, 6:41 am

      15min of youtube fame and lawsuit money 🤑🤑. Is what pos wanted!¡!!!

  • Dexter Winslett April 16, 2021, 11:31 am

    Both sides made mistakes.

  • Kane April 16, 2021, 11:25 am

    I live along the “heroine highway” and small town USA better be ready for what is coming your way. Bitch now about this supposed poor little guy but do NOT cry when the Police do NOT respond calls. Do NOT bitch when the homeless set camp near their pan handle corners and intimidation zones. Do NOT bitch when DUI’s et cetera are killing and maiming others and addicts destroy your quality of life.

    I have had PO’s pull guns on me and treat me unfairly and I still back the badge. I am also a veteran but I do NOT side with this Lt. Get ready for life in a leftwing hell hole and see if the squad gives a flip about you.

    • Kane April 16, 2021, 1:17 pm

      correction- heroin

    • Godfrey Washington April 16, 2021, 3:01 pm

      If you’re going to be a cop, be a good cop. Trash officers like this are ruining law enforcement and making it harder for everyone else.

      And to everybody who’s faulting the Lt. for non compliance when questioning why the stop is happening, look at the police response for simply wanting to know what happened.

      “BuT ThEy HaVe uh BaDGe! YoU shOuLD coMpLy!!”
      Keep that in mind when Joe and kamala start those door to door confiscations…

      • Kane April 17, 2021, 11:45 pm

        Your quote is NOT based on any thing I wrote. Driving a car is a privilege NOT a right, a PO in my family once told me that when your are pulled over you are technically under arrest. If the feds come to my door with warrant I will certainly NOT resist. What are you planning on doing if that happens to you?

        If or when you have been a victim of crime, did you call the PD? I guess they all look like a “good cop” under those type of circumstances.

  • JohnL April 16, 2021, 11:24 am

    Generally speaking, when men with guns and badges tell me to do something I comply, weather, I like it or not.

  • allonright April 16, 2021, 11:11 am

    Why was the very pertinent fact, that the suspect had a loose weapon (pistol) in the car next to his leg, left out of the story here? This is not factual reporting…it’s at best a partial truth due to factual omission. I’m very disappointed with GAD.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:19 pm

      ” Why was the very pertinent fact, that the suspect had a loose weapon (pistol) in the car next to his leg, left out of the story here? ”

      Because even if that is not something you are making up, it’s not pertinent. He never reached for said weapon.

  • Stan d. Upnow April 16, 2021, 11:10 am

    My previous comments were before I saw the video, just read the description of the incident. Saw the video and now realize that Navario was wrong. Apologies all around.
    This is a good example that full information is important. Why the corrupt media is so influential. Don’t rush to judgment.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:20 pm

      ” My previous comments were before I saw the video, just read the description of the incident. Saw the video and now realize that Navario was wrong. ”

      Prove it. Compliance with contradictory orders is not possible.

  • Dave T April 16, 2021, 11:09 am

    What is going on with people? This guy, should be the example for following orders. He gives and takes them all day long.
    What he did here was nothing more than coaxing a confrontation with law enforcement. He deserves a formal reprimand from his commander, and yes, his military career should be over.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:21 pm

      In the military, they are generally competent not to issue contradictory orders…

  • David April 16, 2021, 10:42 am

    He should have complied immediately. The whole mistaken identity/felony vehicle stop issue would have been resolved without incident.

    • allonright April 16, 2021, 11:17 am

      Actually, it wouldn’t have been resolved because he had an unauthorized weapon in the vehicle that had recently been on a military base that has very explicit rules and regulations governing weapons to be transported on base. The Hispanic lieutenant (actually white by the George Zimmerman test) was not in compliance with the military at the time of this stop. This article does NOT provide the entire story.

  • 2bears April 16, 2021, 10:41 am

    Once again driver won’t comply with lawful voice commands. This driver is a Lt. in our military and won’t comply. Must be a genetic thing with blacks feeling they have to argue with LEO’s.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:21 pm

      Contradictory commands cannot be lawful.

  • Francis Miller April 16, 2021, 10:30 am

    Both parties were making mistakes. The Mile and half run before pulling over was the big mistake and the tinted windows scared the cops. But before we use RACE as an excuse why is it white folks never yell they were afraid or treated unfairly by a black cop? Personally….when I served in the Army the black NCO’s gave me more hell than the white ones ever did! But and order is an order if your raised as such or have been in the military! Just follow the order and it will be way more easy for you since your going to do the command the easy way or the hard way, but fact is your going to do it!

    • allonright April 16, 2021, 11:19 am

      Truer words cannot be spoken. Compliance, or defiance. The choice is yours. The outcome is God’s.

  • Phillip DeWitt April 16, 2021, 10:26 am

    The Black Military officer has had eleven traffic violations in the last six years. He’s had a lot of interaction with police because he must have wanted it. It appears the guy drives around speeding trying to set up such a confrontation.

  • Stan d. Upnow April 16, 2021, 10:23 am

    Now, This would warrant a legitimate complaint against the police. “Felony traffic stop?” Bad cops engaged in Bad procedures.
    I’m glad Brandon Tatum is a Former police officer, because by his comments, he’s a jackass, too.

    I understand the cops erring on the side of caution, but too many just react wrongly. I’ve personally witnessed some very bad behavior on the part of cops. They know they can get away with a Lot if it goes to court.
    Heard a judge say- “I will always believe the police officer, unless there is irrefutable evidence to the contrary.” What happened to reasonable doubt?

    Remember- It’s a corrupt LEGAL system, not a justice system.

  • John Fox April 16, 2021, 10:18 am

    The attitude of the officers is the problem, as is their job description (to write citations and issue summons). The Lt was correct in pulling over where he did. When asked why he was pulled over he got a bs answer. The Lt knew this and at that moment, with things as they are in this country, my concern for my safety would have been paramount! All the officer had to say was no sticker was visible and the Lt would have shown him. Every chance the cop had to escalate the situation, he chose to do so! The cop was rude, crude, and adversarial. He had no more business with a badge or a gun than that Kim potter. Then threatening the Lt after they realized that they had screwed up, that proves that they knew that they were wrong and guilty! Calling it in as a felony traffic stop when no crime was committed is icing on the cake! If the Lt had shot them in fear of his life, he would have been justified. The cops power complex is what caused this! He acted as all cops are being portrayed, and this is why! The Lt shouldn’t become a
    Millionaire out of this, but being needlessly pepper sprayed, repeatedly threatened, and for no justifiable reason deserves something. If not for him, then to punish those those that hire, train, and employes this reject! If that were me I would have taken the “ride the lightning” comment as a death threat!

  • NJ Veteran April 16, 2021, 9:49 am

    There is ZERO excuse for a military officer to disregard a lawful order such as this. When are people going to learn, follow ALL instructions from a law enforcement officer and don’t get into a debate. When the situation has escalated to the point where you have multiple officer with drawn weapons you comply 100%, immediately and without resistance.
    Everyone will go home safely if you follow these simple rules. Michael Brown, George Floyd, and anyone else that resists or defies police instructions will lose.
    If you have a legitimate beef with a cop, wait for the judge or police supervision.

    • Stan d. Upnow April 16, 2021, 10:36 am

      Lt. Nazario complied by pulling over. He complied when asked to show his hands(which he kept displaying during the interaction). I’m not a lawyer, but I do not believe he had to voluntarily leave his vehicle. If he dropped one of his hands to unsnap his seatbelt with the subsequent “click,” he likely would have been shot.
      Nazario expressed this fear. The cops didn’t even say why they stopped him.
      If a cop has a gun pointed at me and is screaming commands, I will comply and (hopefully)sort it out later.
      On that point, I agree with you. But, you seem to ignore the bad actions on the part of the police. On that, we disagree.

  • Marvin Bonnstetter April 16, 2021, 9:43 am

    Unless they had information that that vehicle was used in a violent crime they went way over board. Worked for over 30 years in some of the worst ghettos in Chicago and never acted like that.

  • bobs your uncle April 16, 2021, 9:42 am

    Those of you in the military, try acting like that with a superior officer and see what happens. To me it looked like classic staged, pre planned,” Death of a salesman” and Lt Smarty Pants knew exactly how to piss off the cops and make them wary and create a situation. With all the massive payouts from cities he knew if he survived he would be wealthy or at least his family would be our newest millionaires. He was in uniform, so he was on his way to or from work? Is it now allowed to have personal firearms on post, outside the armory? If he was as fearful as he said he could have activated his flashers and called 911 and told them he was going to a well lighted area, Nope, instead he set up his camera, and got ready for scene four, Lieutenant Wllie Loman (look it up)

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:13 pm

      Seems like the officers involved were just incompetent enough to help Navario out with his scheme then.

      They could instead have done it right.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:15 pm

      BTW, where’d you get the idea it was Navario’s camera?

      • Rick April 16, 2021, 9:11 pm

        Who’s camera do you think was in Navaro’s car? His dog’s?

  • Gerald Brickwood April 16, 2021, 9:38 am

    He should have put on his 4-ways and stopped the car when the police first intercepted him and then complied with their request for documents. He could then have pointed out the temporary tag with out problem instead of resisting and escalating the stop.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:12 pm

      No, you are within your rights to continue to a safe area when stopped. Police have no excuse to pretend they don’t know this.

  • John April 16, 2021, 9:20 am

    As a 2nd Lt in the army that guy is used to receiving and issuing orders. Do any of you think for one second that he would stand for a Private not complying with and order he issued, let alone issuing the same order 10 times in a row. He didn’t appear scared as he calmly set up his camera and then proceeded to not comply with any of the issued commands. If that in any way represents the company he comes from in the armed services the nation is truly in trouble.

  • maga April 16, 2021, 9:10 am

    Thank you ,seeing is believing.

  • rsmalt April 16, 2021, 9:08 am

    Va Court Case Information . Following the link (click on “On Line Case Information System-Statewide Search” then type in Nazario, Caron R), you’ll find numerous entries, recording a pattern of speeding, tinted window violations, and failure to display license plates. Sound familiar?

    Time frame covers 2014-2020.

    Isle of Wight General District Court
    Case #: GT20008474-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON R
    Offense Date: 11/07/2020
    Hearing: 05/12/2021
    Charge: 54/35 SPEED
    Code Section: G.46.2-875

    Chesterfield General District Court
    Case #: GT16005707-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON R
    Offense Date: 02/02/2016
    Hearing: 03/28/2016
    Charge: OP W/TINT/SIGNS/DECALS WINDOWS
    Code Section: 46.2-1052

    Dinwiddie General District Court
    Case #: GT14011945-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON R.
    Offense Date: 12/02/2014
    Hearing: 01/15/2015
    Charge: 75/60 SP
    Code Section: G.46.2-870

    New Kent General District Court
    Case #: GT18003278-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON RENE
    Offense Date: 05/31/2018
    Hearing: 06/27/2018
    Charge: 70/55 SP
    Code Section: G.46.2-870

    Petersburg General District Court
    Case #: GT18005493-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON RENE
    Offense Date: 03/28/2018
    Hearing: 07/17/2018
    Charge: 43/25 SP
    Code Section: G.46.2-874

    Brunswick General District Court
    Case #: GT16006946-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON RENE
    Offense Date: 06/03/2016
    Hearing: 09/22/2016
    Charge: WINDOW TINT
    Code Section: 46.2-1052

    Brunswick General District Court
    Case #: GT16006947-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON RENE
    Offense Date: 06/03/2016
    Hearing: 09/22/2016
    Charge: NO FRONT LICENSE PLATE
    Code Section: 46.2-716

    Petersburg General District Court

    Case #: GT16005157-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON RENE
    Offense Date: 05/28/2016
    Hearing: 08/23/2016
    Amended Charge: SP 1-9 OVER LIMIT-55/70 ZONE
    Amended Code Section: A.46.2-870

    Petersburg General District Court
    Case #: GT16005158-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON RENE
    Offense Date: 05/28/2016
    Hearing: 08/23/2016
    Charge: FAIL TO CARRY/EXHIBIT LICENSE
    Code Section: A.46.2-104

    Prince George General District Court
    Case #: GT15001106-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON RENE
    Offense Date: 02/09/2015
    Hearing: 04/27/2015
    Charge: RD-GENERALLY-MISD
    Code Section: A.46.2-852

    Sussex General District Court
    Case #: GT14012193-00
    Defendant: NAZARIO, CARON RENE
    Offense Date: 10/07/2014
    Hearing: 11/18/2014
    Amended Charge: 44/35 SPEEDING
    Amended Code Section: A.46.2-875

    Link to the police report: windsor-va.gov

    Quite the laundry list of traffic infractions- he was no stranger to interacting with LEOs.

    • Abby Normal April 16, 2021, 9:53 am

      11 traffic infractions in 6 years? I’m 67 years old and my wife is 63. Together, our whole lives, have never had half that many. This shitbag believes laws only apply to whites

      • Mark April 18, 2021, 11:41 am

        👍; enough said!

    • Joe April 16, 2021, 3:52 pm

      Kudos to you for taking the time to present the facts. Seems this guy’s a troublemaker and has a problem following orders and should NOT be in the military.

  • Robert Wade April 16, 2021, 9:01 am

    There was PLENTY of blame to go around on this one. Ultimately, the officers behavior was extreme and unacceptable. That said, the LT should have known better. It doesn’t matter what race you are. Immediate, respectful compliance will almost always end positively or, at least, with everyone alive. If I have officers attempting to pull me over in an unsafe or poorly-lit area, I am always prepared to put on my hazard lights and call 911 to let the dispatcher know I’m aware of the officers behind me and that I’m looking for the nearest well-lit area. After that, I’m prepared to immediately respond to whatever instructions the officers give me. I’m almost always armed, so I realize right off the bat I may be perceived as a potential threat. I believe this LT was wrong in not immediately complying. As as a military officer he DEFINITELY knows better. I’m an Air Force veteran and I currently work on a base. I KNOW how we’re trained to behave.

  • Jon Fukhoff April 16, 2021, 8:52 am

    I guess the linked video of a black former cop is supposed to shut everyone down? Sorry but many a minority can be a boot licker as well. I don’t need his black perspective and break down of events, My white a$$ is quite capable of observing and deciding all on my own. Citizens also have the right to protect themselves. This absolute non sense of Red Coat lives taking priority over all else needs to end. This citizen was within his rights to drive to a well lit and populated area for his own protection. He was also within his rights, because he feared for his life, to choose not to remove his hands from the cops view or to exit the vehicle. Red Coats have a responsibility to de-escalate. I saw absolutely nothing in this video that necessitated violence on the part of the State. To the, “He didn’t follow orders” and the “just comply and have your day in court” and the, “this is proof he’s a bad soldier and unfit to lead” types. More often than not you types imagine yourselves as the pinnacle of patriotism. Because compliance and worship of Red Coats is what being a patriot means. You have a support the troops sign on your facebook page but then call into question the character of any soldier who says no to tyrannical thugs. Talking about how much you support the wars and the police but some how never found your way to the recruiting station. Weird huh? This young warrior of color found the recruiting station and you couldn’t. You shake your fists about, I WILL NOT COMPLY with Joe Bidens gun control. Then demands others comply with violations of the forth amendment. So you get to decide for others what amendments are okay to not comply with? You’re all Red Coat sucking statist cowards. You’ll fold like lawn chairs the second your Red Coat heroes come for your guns and you’ll turn in your buddies to buy yourself a little more freedom.

    • Richard Crotzer April 16, 2021, 12:59 pm

      Amen!

  • Davis April 16, 2021, 8:22 am

    Noncompliance is a perceived threat. Had he complied he would have received a warning for “improper display” and he would have been on his way in couple minutes.

    • Johhny C April 16, 2021, 9:12 am

      What this guy and many folks seem to misunderstand is that the officer’s commands to get out of the vehicle are known as a “Mimms Order”. It comes from the court case of Pennsylvania vs. Mimms where the US Supreme Court upheld that you do have to get out of the car when the police order you to. That applies nationwide, and even for “only a traffic stop”. People need to quit listening to these Youtube lawyers and educate themselves on what they are actually required to do when coming into contact with the police.

  • Budd April 16, 2021, 8:11 am

    “If you’re gonna be STUPID, ya gotta be TOUGH.”

    • James April 16, 2021, 8:38 am

      Nazario has probably been planning a scenario like this for some time. He did everything needed to portray himself as a victim of racism and therefore qualify to bring a huge law suit against a police department if traffic stop occurred involving him.

      • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:08 pm

        Then good for Windsor, VA for hiring the incompetent officers who’d help Navario out with that.

      • joe April 16, 2021, 3:55 pm

        You are correct. A lot of these incidents happen because they know a monetary payment is a foregone conclusion, even if they’re in the wrong.

  • Mas April 16, 2021, 8:04 am

    I am glad he questioned this thuggish cop. It is time for citizens to assert their rights to question bullies hiding behind their badges. When citizens, who did not break the law, are afraid of law enforcement we no longer have democracy we have police state.

  • Birda April 16, 2021, 8:03 am

    I have sons and son on laws as law officers, I’ve told them all. Police treated people different years ago. If you want to investigate treat people like people. Minor infractions don’t constitute death. I don’t blame the young cops except their training, the Academy is who I blame.

  • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 7:50 am

    The unprofessional and incompetent behavior of the police — the contradictory orders, you can not keep your hands in sight and unbuckle the seatbelt and open the door — “ride the lightning” & “you should be scared”.

    Both these officers should be fired immediately.

    They should expect someone being pulled over to go to well lit and populate place if possible. One person gives the orders, only one.

    SuperG, it is not possible to sign away constitutionally protected rights. No such contract is valid.

    Driller, the police had the improper bearing. When contradictory orders given police can get you shot, do nothing — compliance is not possible.

    Joe, unlike the civilian police, the military is generally reasonable and competent and held to account for poor performance.

    The police in this nation are generally worthy by their actions and inaction of being held in contempt — they have let themselves be tools of Progressive politicians for far too long, they are not peace officers.

  • Willie Stark April 16, 2021, 7:48 am

    Pulled over at night for DWB (driving while Black) in a little redneck town and told he was “fixin’ to ride the lightnin'” by that fat old sob pointing a gun in his face? Any of you guys ever hear of the FOURTH Amendment?

  • M Grand April 16, 2021, 7:43 am

    Well lets see, First of all do as I was told no mater what. Problem I have is this man is a soldier, and an officer. HE HAS BEEN TRAINED TO FOLLOW ORDERS! Or has he? What orders does he follow now? Whether he agreed or disagreed does not matter he was given an order and did not follow those commands. So I must say will he follow his orders in the service now? Bet not because he just showed us if he questions something he does not believe in, he will not follow orders! Failure as an soldier, failure as an officer big time. He should be brought up on charges in the military but you know that’ll never happen with all the pussies today. Those officers were wrong no doubt and way way over reacted I can’t deny that however, all he had to do was comply, let them sort it out and I bet things would have calmed down quickly but when you have attitude, and this culture of rebellion and hate towards police, well this is the results. until better behaviors are taught, this will continue. You simply cannot refuse orders or things will not be good no matter right or wrong at that minute, it just won’t work out. And this shit about being scared is bullshit. everything is cameraed now so please. Stop with the excuses.

    • Wright April 16, 2021, 8:38 am

      I agree. The officer gave him a direct order. He did not follow the order. Veteran, or not. Doesn’t matter. If he had any respect for a fellow officer, he would of just got out of the car. There would have been no incident. Yes he has to exit the vehicle. This lack, or complete disregard for law enforcement from this generation is inexcusable. Most people that are pulled over, myself included follow what the officer is requesting to do. Any good civilian would do as the officer’s has requested. The vehicle’s window’s were tinted. You clearly can’t see into the back of the car. Just because he has a Military uniform on doesn’t mean he’s a veteran until the officer see’s his I.D, and that wouldn’t matter anyway. The officer doesn’t know that. He could of been anybody wearing a uniform. The question I have is. The officer that first pulled him over. Did he approach the drivers side vehicle, and ask for I.D. This was a felony traffic stop . So clearly when they ran his tags, the owner of that vehicle was wanted for something…

      • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 1:04 pm

        ” So clearly when they ran his tags, the owner of that vehicle was wanted for something… ”

        No, they had no excuse to employ felony stop tactics. They have already admitted this.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 8:52 am

      ” Stop with the excuses. ” <– So stop making them for the police.

      They were belligerent and incompetent, shouting directly contradictory orders and assuming a felony stop situation where none existed.

    • Eric April 16, 2021, 8:56 am

      Wrong, military members do not swear to follow “all orders”, it’s actually “obey lawful orders” per the UCMJ.

      That one extra word “lawful” is pretty important since it implies a duty to ignore or countermand unlawful orders. There is no “I was just following orders” excuse for military members to hide behind.

      If only our police were held to the same higher standard that we hold our military.

      • Matthew Wright April 18, 2021, 5:06 pm

        Ok. So what are you saying. He can just sit in the car and do nothing, and drive off. Did he tell the first officer that pulled him over how many people he had in the car? Is it lawful to have your windows tinted that dark in that state? If he’s a good law abiding veteran he would followed that law. Most states including my own have laws that make it illegal to have your window’s that dark. It’s not always enforced. You can have them tinted to a degree. Reason being. Officers have been shot and killed when approaching the vehicle. They can not tell who’s in the back , possibly pointing a firearm at them while approaching the vehicle. This is for the safety of the officer. It would be very unwise for an officer to approach a vehicle when he clearly can’t see into the back of it. I believe the political left have demonized the police. They want a passive law enforcement. Just like they want to change our constitution.

      • Kane April 18, 2021, 8:05 pm

        I bet Lt. Dramaqueen understands the distinction between the Rules of Land Warfare and the UCMJ. I bet Lt. would NOT hesitate to unleash an article 15 charge or worse on any enlisted person who refused to recognize his authority.

  • Brandon Kirk Lee April 16, 2021, 7:42 am

    UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS POLICING AND TACTICS LIKE THIS ACCEPTABLE. WHAT AN INCREDIBLY LOW STANDARD OF TRAINING AND COMPETENCE THESE FORMER (I’M ASSUMING) PUBLIC SERVANTS DISPLAYED. WE THE PEOPLE DEMAND BETTER.

  • Ted Robinson April 16, 2021, 7:40 am

    He showed a lack of military bearing. As a junior officer he should understand how to obey orders. Instead he took the route of resistance and played the part of a drama queen. If I was his CO I’d dress him down.

  • FredP April 16, 2021, 7:29 am

    1st a felony stop,what felony action was observed for that reason, 2nd no tag was the reason, then not complying with orders became the reason. What law gives police the power to make up reasons to justify their actions. Reason number “one” a felony never was observed by officers or a victim. This is not policing it’s profiling.

  • Mighty Mouse April 16, 2021, 7:23 am

    The police officer was fired for failing to follow the law and department policies. I guess the driver was within his rights to stay in the car. No one should be killed over a traffic stop. And his vehicle was licensed, the cops had no valid reason to pull over the car.

  • Anthony Romano April 16, 2021, 7:23 am

    If the driver would have pulled over immediately and did what the officer said they’re wouldn’t have been a problem. I’m surprised that a military officer can be do stupid!

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 7:55 am

      But every officer is trained to not expect people to pull over until it is safe to do so, and that proceeding to well lit and if possible populated are is reasonable.

      The officers were both of them incompetent and unreasonable.

  • Ray April 16, 2021, 7:13 am

    Driving is a privilege, it is not a constitutional right. If you are stopped by the police, you must obey a lawful order. By not obeying a lawful order, the driver escalated a routine traffic stop to a potentially dangerous one. It is far safer to comply with the police officers orders than to escalate matters. If you feel that your rights have been violated, you can always sue later. But, by not complying you could be shot Like Dante. I have read articles posted by wanna be lawyers telling people that they don’t have to get out of their cars for a traffic stop. Absolutely false! I believe that when this situation goes to trial ( I would ask for a trial by judge, If I were the cops) The judge would rule according to the law, and the officers will be vindicated.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 7:53 am

      What lawful order did he not obey? Contradictory orders are never lawful, and he was told to both keep his hands in sight and to exit the vehicle — not a possibility.

      • John Doe April 16, 2021, 10:24 am

        Clearly you don’t have very good problem solving skills. Here is one way to get out of a vehicle with your hands in sight.

        Reach down and grab the door handle on the outside of the car. Push or pull the door open. Step outside of the vehicle. You have successfully exited the vehicle without hands outside and in plain view.

        Now he would have needed to put a hand inside to undo the seat beat which could have been clearly communicated before opening the door.

        • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 12:55 pm

          “Reach down and grab the door handle on the outside of the car. ”

          And why do you pretend that would have worked? Most cars lock automatically when at speed, and the locks are in the inside.

          “t which could have been clearly communicated before opening the door.” <– And gotten him shot by the idiots confronting him, same as having his hands out of sight while unlocked the door.

          Why are you making excuses for these badged incompetents? One person gives the orders. Never go to a felony stop posture without having some excuse for presuming a felony.

  • Scott Welsh April 16, 2021, 7:12 am

    This military officer seems to have a problem following orders. If he would have complied he would have gotten off with maybe a ticket for whatever they were stopping him for. As a result of his refusal to comply the police went on high alert. It is his own fault he got pepper sprayed.

  • DENNIS ORR April 16, 2021, 7:12 am

    Some police officers are just looking for an altercation. They may have had a fight with a fellow officer, some other person of color, or not of color, a family problem or a bad incident with an authority figure in their precinct.
    Regardless, he, or she is in autority during any encounter involving a police officer. Slowly driving to a safe space at night, using your emergency blinkers as an acknowledgment of recognition is acceptable because anyone knows that stopping in a dark place is dangerous. Fom the moment you stop the vehicle, you obey the officers; ‘period’!
    Fear is the paramount driver of all altercations and must be controlled by both parties. Once, I was arrested at a gas station, I observed the police approaching me very carefully before they pounced. Observing their intentions, I placed my hands on a gas pump before the officers even spoke. I just let them do their due diligence.
    I was taken to jail, and incarcerated until the next morning when a guard brought me a newspaper with my photograph on the front page. I read that I had been killed in a police shootout, about 15 miles from where I was arrested. I was a ‘dead-ringer’ indentical to the guy who was killed.
    If I had resisted, or fled, I would have been shot. But, since I knew that the police do not not act irrationally, I submitted with out question and was able to verify my indentity while in custody.
    Those officers did me a favor, and I have never forgotten that incident 70 years ago.

  • Snoop Doggy Dumbass April 16, 2021, 7:09 am

    Anytime I have been pulled over by the police I get the exact same treatment as this man. A guy scared of getting shot to death does what he is told. An arrogant race baiter gets no special treatment because he is in the service. Military people crack me up, you sign up for the military because A) you want to get paid to kill. B) you don’t want to work at Carl’s JR C) you don’t want to go to college. D) you don’t want to make screws in a factory.
    Put your hands out the window and get out of the damn car, lay down face first where they can see your hands. Then have a discussion you stupid arrogant phuc. Even a purple person understands what the police do everyday, color has nothing to do with any of it, it’s about not getting killed by one of the 1000 tards a officer encounters per shift!!!

  • Alphanzo Townsend April 16, 2021, 7:05 am

    I am a former Texas police officer and am guilty of not intervening when I learned of police officers assaulting someone, or targeting black people or Mexicans in Houston while having police contact. The majority of police contact with the public is about executing power rather than protecting and serving. Police officers ‘test’ the system to confirm the overwhelming support that the system gives men and women in police uniform. There is no need to protect and serve. There is no need to deescalate, give consideration, provide service, mentor, or gain community support. ‘It’s us against them’

    Police officers are using a variety of stimuli to execute command and control due to being confident that there is an entire system at idle and waiting to support whatever action he/she takes while in uniform. White police officers take great pride in assuming that blacks and Mexicans do not know their rights. And, if these people do know their rights and complain, the ‘system’ will side with the police in the vast majority of cases. A trial with the police as the defendant will solidify the blue code by prosecutors, defense attorney, judges, and even support from the jury box that will set a murdering police officer free, to kill another black or Mexican citizen as a member of the same agency or be passed/hired onto another agency.

    An infrequent or random settlement for a victim’s family is the ‘cost of doing business’. The whole intent is to take the life of as many of certain groups as possible and get away with it. The reward: a free pizza, happy meal, or case of beer. The reward: acceptance into the circle, badge of honor, blueprint to pass on to the next police officer in line whom have not killed.

    • Jason Young April 16, 2021, 11:11 am

      This comment is one of the craziest things I have ever read. I have been in law enforcement for over 25 years and never heard anything like what this guy said.

      • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 12:59 pm

        Well, you’ve had your eyes shut, so, there’s that.

    • Eric Holder April 16, 2021, 12:58 pm

      Cops who do not believe your comments are accurate are boot lickers who will do anything to try and fight for the BS Police propaganda such as the lies written all over Police vehicles such as “Protect and Serve and Honesty and Integrity”. Fact Police do not protect and even the courts have stated as in the Parkland Florida shooting that there is no duty for the Police OR Government to protect or do anything for any citizen other than those taken into custody. As for “serve” the only thing they serve themselves is free food like pigs when they can get it. Honor and Integrity? LMAO. Big liars and fabricators.

    • Kane April 18, 2021, 8:15 pm

      “White police officers take great pride in assuming that blacks and Mexicans do not know their rights. ”

      Got it. Just wondering what motives were for the PO with those Mexican sounding name, or is he an under cover Caucasoid.

  • Anthony Romano April 16, 2021, 7:03 am

    If he would have pulled over immediately and did what he was told it would have gone a different way. The Lt. was an idiot!!

    • BR549 April 16, 2021, 9:19 am

      Speaking of idiots, next time, read the article. I agree that the Lt should have put his hands out of the window immediately. I don’t dispute that, but the officers were armed for bear and posturing before they ever had a reason to become hostile. Remember, this was claimed to have been a “traffic stop”. Read that several times, maybe it will sink in.

      • John Doe April 16, 2021, 3:44 pm

        One of the officers notifies dispatch that they are engaging in a “felony traffic stop,” and Officer Daniel Crocker can be heard yelling for Nazario to “put his hands out the window.”

        Might want to read the article before calling someone an idiot for not reading the article.

  • Frank S April 16, 2021, 6:59 am

    SuperG is 100% correct! Comply and the officers wouldn’t have been so agitated! I don’t think they should have had guns drawn unless he showed some aggressive behavior or language. But I’d have complied then complained to their superiors later. Any military person should know that…

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 12:58 pm

      It is not possible to comply with contradictory such as those incompetent police were shouting.

  • jesse de hoyos April 16, 2021, 6:55 am

    this army officer should be court marshelled!and removed from duty!bad exsample of a service member.

  • Frank C April 16, 2021, 6:54 am

    Watching this video numerous times, I can only conclude that Lt Nazario did nothing wrong. Police from across the country have stated many times that drivers do not have to pull over until it is safe to do so. Requirement – Be certain that the officer knows that you are not attempting to run. Lt Nazario drove slowly with his turn signal on. In addition, he was given contradictory orders – show his hands and get out of the car. He could not do both without some nervous trigger-happy cop shooting him. When he said he was scared, he was told that he should be scared. There is no excuse for the treatment Nazario received. Gutierrez is clearly incompetent or worse and warranted being fired. I would have sued too.

    • BR549 April 16, 2021, 9:26 am

      Very well put, and I agree.

  • Nick April 16, 2021, 6:44 am

    Figures people will support these asshole cops on this one. They knew he was a minority because he slowly drove to a lighted area (they acknowledged that fact in the process of escalating to a felony stop). Guns drawn, treating the guy like he was a felon, etc. the temp plate was attached to the rear window. They two cops could have approached the car and told the driver why he was being pulled over. He would have told them to go look and then, THEN the cops could have apologized and let him go on his way. Absolutely unnecessary show of force. I’m hoping the other cop gets shit canned too

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 7:57 am

      I am in complete agreement with you.

  • Eric April 16, 2021, 6:40 am

    Sorry, but that is bullcrap. This guy was not stressed. He merely decided not to comply. Was he brought up in a family that did not hold him responsible for his actions? Or was he so full of himself that he decided he was above the law? I hope he pays for his idiocy and learns a valuable lesson.

    • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 7:59 am

      Being pulled over by the police is always stressful, especially when you behave reasonably — driving slowly to a well lit area with the turn signal on — and then they execute a felony stop…

      …And proceed to give contradictory orders that can not be followed.

  • William Schaper April 16, 2021, 6:22 am

    I am a car guy too, not just guns. This has always bothered me. We need a nationwide temporary license plate rule, even for person to person sales. You must have a rear license even if you are “in transit”. As for this case, I agree with the lieutenant. Overzealous Barney Fifes.

    • Kane April 18, 2021, 8:25 pm

      I agree with the plate aspect. We also need teach drivers what conduct LE expects during a traffic stop and why specific behavior should be avoided and at the same time LE should receive more training treating all citizens with respect.

  • Steven Cochran Bruce April 16, 2021, 6:03 am

    If AMERICANS don’t fight for they’re Constitutional rights NOW AMD FOREVERMORE they WILL LOOSE THEM.
    Im not going to do what some POS COP TELLS ME TO DO.
    I HAVE NO MORE RESPECT FOR THEM THAN I DO MY NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOR AND NO LESS AS WELL. THIS TYPE OF MILLITERIZED POLICE CRAP HAS TO BE STOPPED AND PROSECUTED. YOU SHOULDN’T EVER GET OUT OF VEHICLE UNLESS YOUR BEING DETAINED. BUT. MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT. THE SECOND IT GETS TO THAT POINT YOU SHOULD ASK IF YOUR BEING DETAINED AND IF YOU ARE THEN GET OUT.

  • Malcom April 16, 2021, 6:03 am

    Comply with the officers then file charges against them.

  • Recce1 April 16, 2021, 5:44 am

    The black US military officer believed that the white officers were looking for an excuse to shoot him. Sadly, as a minority person faced by white officers and due to the MSM’s propaganda, he’s right to fear that.

    First, he had put on his emergency lights and slowed to find a safe place with plenty of light and maybe witnesses to pull into. He was told to keep his hands out of the window. He did so. He even showed his hands when he was pulled over as it now taught to those facing belligerent officers with guns pulled. Then he was given a couple of contradictory orders.

    Had he reached in to undue his seatbelt and open the door, I believe the belligerent overbearing officer would’ve murdered him. For some reason, that officer who was yelling was far too hyped up and so presented a clear and present danger to him.

  • JS April 16, 2021, 5:41 am

    This is why we need to abolish the police period. They are out of control hopped up thugs. They behave like third world tin pot dictators. I’ll defend myself and have no use for control freak garbage with badges and guns assaulting and murdering everyone they come across.

  • Joe April 16, 2021, 5:02 am

    Sadly, the military fell all over themselves in supporting this idiot. “See, I’m not racist, I back this guy.” Comply and if your panties are in a wad, sue later, file a complaint, whatever…Geeeezzzz.

    • Recce1 April 16, 2021, 5:47 am

      Joe, that military officer had reason to fear a hyped up overbearing white police officer. Decades ago I was taught in the military if pulled over by a police officer, ALWAYS keep your hands where he can see them, lest you get shot.

  • Driller April 16, 2021, 4:07 am

    He should have kept is bearing!

  • hhhh April 15, 2021, 8:50 pm

    I’m as pro police a they come but you can’t blame the guy for being scared to get out of his vehicle with those officers as agitated as they were with guns drawn. And knowing he hadn’t done anything wrong, the confusion could easily have lead to a prolonged period of indecision on his part. I could see myself responding the same way if put in that stressful situation. s

    • BUURGA April 16, 2021, 7:21 am

      This man is no kid. NOT obeying police orders is what is causing these problems. What kind of a soldier is he to freak out of a simple, standard police command?

      • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 7:51 am

        It i snot possible to obey contradictory orders. Competent police will not give them.

        Belligerently incompetent police should be fired.

  • SuperG April 15, 2021, 10:17 am

    When you sign for your DL, you agree to obey the orders of law enforcement. Nowhere in that promise does it say you get to debate police when you get pulled over. Comply, get home safe, then if you feel that your rights have been violated, go to court. I doubt that the butter bar will be in the army much longer.

    • bob April 16, 2021, 5:20 am

      These cops were out of control and had guns drawn for no reason. The driver had reason to be scared of the situation. Doing what he did likely is what really got him home safe

    • Recce1 April 16, 2021, 5:51 am

      He did what he was taught to do, especially as a black man. Keep your hands where the can see them lest you give them an excuse to shoot you.

      When stopped by police, you do have the right to ask why. That’s not resisting or debating them.

      • Judy April 16, 2021, 11:28 am

        Doing what he was taught by democrats. Give the officers a hard time, do not cooperate, don’t obey what the officers (the enforcers of laws) tell you, everything is racist now so all you have to do is play the race card and the other lawless liberals will support you.

        • Tom Perkins April 16, 2021, 12:56 pm

          He didn’t give the officers a hard time. The idiots with badges excuselessly gave him a hard time.

          Now, those badged idiots no doubt thought they could get away with it because of how Democrats run their police depts and unions…

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