TBO.com - Tampa Bay Online
Witnesses Back Up Officer's Story In McDonald's Drive-Through Arrest
Special to TBO.com by TERRI BURKETT / Provided by CLEARWATER POLICE DEPARTMENT
Jean Merola is arrested at the McDonald's drive-through by Clearwater police officer Matthew Parco.
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Published: February 4, 2008
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CLEARWATER — About the only person who believes a Clearwater police officer wrongly arrested 75-year-old Jean Merola at a McDonald's drive-through last month is Jean Merola.
According to a 30-page internal affairs file released today, Officer Matthew Parco was cleared of wrongdoing Friday by his supervisors.
"It just seemed like he was doing his job," witness Susan Grimm-Mastandrea told internal affairs investigators.
Jean Merola
On Jan. 17, Merola was at the McDonald's drive-through at 1934 Hercules Ave. N. when she asked for a special order of French fries without salt, which takes about 3 1/2 minutes to prepare, a manager told investigators. Merola was told to move her Lincoln Town Car off to the side and wait until a McDonald's employee brought her order.
Waiting behind her was Parco, who had ordered and received an iced coffee but could not leave because the Town Car blocked his way. Witnesses said he motioned her to drive out of the line. When she didn't, he got out of his squad car, walked up to the Lincoln and asked her verbally, the file documents state.
Their ensuing back-and-forth lasted 20 minutes, as more and more cars continued to be backed up in line and employees were forced to deliver orders to vehicles.
Parco told investigators Merola started yelling at him immediately, saying she was where she was supposed to be. With his hands folded in front of him, he let her yell for one to two minutes but when he started to speak, she interrupted him. Then she was given her special fries, but still refused to leave, witnesses and Parco told investigators.
"She was being rude," said Sarah Curtis, a McDonald's manager, "saying, you know, she's prominent, she knows people. And saying that she's 75 years old and that she could die tomorrow and that the officer should be ashamed of himself." Parco said she also claimed to know Police Chief Sid Klein and demanded he come to the scene.
"He said [to Merola] that all he was trying to do was tell her to move up so that he could get on his way," Curtis said. "He never crossed the boundary of, like, using professional words to non-professional words."
Parco retrieved her driver's license and ran a computer check, mainly to see whether she had a history of mental illness, the file documents say. After none turned up, he gave her a piece of paper with his name, identification number and a telephone number on it so she could file a complaint against him if she wanted. Then he told her to leave.
She again demanded Klein at the scene, and called Parco a brat. She also told him if he had any wife or children, his wife was going to divorce him and his children hate him, Parco told internal affairs investigators. He again told her to leave and went back to his squad car.
Ashley Jones, another McDonald's employee, said she then saw Merloa get out of the Town Car, walk to Parco's squad car, and continue to yell at him. Jones remembered Parco saying, "I asked you to sit in your car and just leave."
He said he then told Merola four times – twice from inside his squad car, twice once he stepped outside it – that she just should leave. She again refused, saying she wanted Klein there. Parco said he noted the backup in the line and the danger employees were in delivering food in the growing traffic mess, so he decided to press charges against Merola.
Originally, Parco, who consulted with a supervisor, wanted to give Morela a notice to appear in court so he wouldn't have to take her into custody, but he was willing to do that only if he could contact one of her family members. Merola refused to give him any of their names or telephone numbers
He also considered taking her into custody under the state's Baker Act, to be held for psychiatric evaluation, but decided Merola qualified.
Merola did not cooperate in the internal affairs in investigation. The disorderly conduct charge Parco filed against her is still winding through the judicial system.
Reporter Stephen Thompson can be reached at (727) 451-2336 or spthompson@tampatrib.com.
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Reader Comments
Posted by ( gina1108 ) on February 4, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Please, please, please make this woman pay back the fees spent on this investigation.
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Posted by ( beachbum08 ) on February 4, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Cops have it hard enough without having to put up with this. People who trash cops like this are responsible for the fact some cops get jaded after a few years on the job. It would be very nice if some judge stood up for all the cops who have to take a ration of you-know-what like this gentleman did and slam the old lady for sixty days on the chain gang where she belongs. Justice they call it.
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Posted by ( TonyD ) on February 4, 2008 at 4:16 p.m.
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Posted by ( RinTinTin ) on February 4, 2008 at 4:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
A crotchetty old lady forcing an issue. Enjoy retirement and stop using your influence just because you know the Chief and the Mayor. They should have hung up on her and made her go through the correct channels like the rest of us shmoes. But than the rest of us would have been courteous enough to get out of everybody's way without having to be asked.
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Posted by ( luvco ) on February 4, 2008 at 4:29 p.m.
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Posted by ( jimr ) on February 4, 2008 at 4:40 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
And now you know "The rest of the story."
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Posted by ( mama7speed ) on February 4, 2008 at 4:42 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I totally agree with all of you. She had no right to behave the way she did. We tell our kids to respect those in authority. You're a great example, Grandma.
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Posted by ( FLBachelor ) on February 4, 2008 at 4:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Sorry, but I still wouldn't believe any report created by the organization being investigated by others inside the same organization. (cops on cops) Show me the tapes. Show me some physical evidence. Some cop backing another cop pulls no truck with me. I've seen pictures of the Mc D's and the entire non McD's side of the car would be wide open into the parking lot. No curb, no walls, no pillars...just asphalt for like 30 feet. Was the cop tailgating so closely he couldn't turn his steering wheel? Now it looks like it was indeed this lady may have done wrong, and the cop may have been right. But just because one cop backs up one of his own in some report that says that is what happened does not make it so. I'd like to remind everyone that this lady had no criminal record in her past 70+ years. That says something...
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Posted by ( grinderspark ) on February 4, 2008 at 4:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She was also on the TV news a couple of weeks ago making the same claims. Now that it been proven that she's a crotchety old witch who thinks everyone has to kneel down and kiss her feet because she's elderly, I wonder what she would say if the reporter went back and confronted her?
Too bad it made national headlines and the cop was made to seem like a jerk to everyone in the country. Even Leno mentioned it. Now that the truth is out, I doubt one media outlet anywhere outside of the Tampa area will run the findings. The cop being found as sound and judgementally correct in the matter is not sensationalistic journalism like the rest of the crap you read and hear.
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Posted by ( tfaustino ) on February 4, 2008 at 4:58 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I was a Beach Officer (Madeira Beach) for 18 years. God Bless that officer. We had the important ex military, retired execs., friends of the sheriff, Bill Young, Cramer, etc. It could make your day a living hell!!! Tony Faustino
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Posted by ( TonyD ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hey FLBachelor: So the McDonald's employees and manager lied? Or did you even bother to read the entire article?
You suggested the the officer may have been tailgating???? At a drive-thru?
You aren't the sharpest knife in the drawer, are you?
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Posted by ( MFVNC ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
FLBachelor: since you won't believe ANY statement or report promulgated by a law enforcement agency....what do you have to say about the CIVILIAN WITNESS who saw and reported the same thing as the officer....or have you become so jaded and bitter in your life that you believe no one?
Just because someone did not have a prior criminal record in "her past70+ years" is not an excuse,nor a defense, of the actions taken that day.
Perhaps since neither you, or I, were there that day, we will need to rely on the facts presented by the witness...not on your opinion and comdemnation of those who were there.
No, I'm not in law enforcement just in case you were wondering. I can read and make judgements based on the facts presented and the independent witness statement, not on emotion or utilizing a deep seated bias against the goverment, i.e.: law enforcement, as you most certainly did. However, since you like the emotional, non-fact based opinion style of writing: are you upset because of a multitude of activities that you have particpated in that resulted in your own arrests????
To everyone else on this blog: Wishing each of you a happy peaceful, and law abiding day!
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Posted by ( luvco ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Fl Bachelor:
Did you read the article? It says several witnesses backed up his story. Not other cops.
And her not having any criminal charges in 70 years, means nothing. Unfortunately, it's not against the law to act like an a**.
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Posted by ( hammer ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:16 p.m.
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Posted by ( bwdial ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:17 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
It's a good thing I'm not a cop. I don't have the self control to go through something like that.
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Posted by ( gizzmo97 ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:24 p.m.
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Posted by ( ally ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:26 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
ha! i knew she was a cranky, self important, mean old hag. i'm glad others are backing up the officer - she made me cringe watching her interview on tv - playing the (not so) cute little old lady victim act. what a crock of poo. I hope she reads this!
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Posted by ( ToTheBeachWeGo ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I have to say, "Shame on TBO on you've handled this." If you look back at the articles of when this first happened they made her sound like some defenseless granny just wanting some french fries when it fact she's an out-of-control old woman with no respect for law enforcement. They even interviewed her and had people feeling sorry for her. I've said from the beginning that the cop should not be judged until all facts are out. Now the truth is coming out and TBO is backing off and just stating facts.
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Posted by ( Jen1897 ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I saw right through this windbag the first time she appeared on t.v. I hope everyone who was dumb enough to defend her reads this article.
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Posted by ( jp2 ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:43 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
they said on the news a little while ago. She wouldn't help internal affairs to get both sides of the story. And that when the cop called in the officer on the other end of the phone could hear her potty mouth going. So it turns out she was at fault 100%.
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Posted by ( 5thGenTampaBay ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:45 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
given her failure to yield, i think the pit manuever was in-order here, and if not, set her free!
if you didnt need to pit, then you must acquit!
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:58 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hey guess what? I believe the woman and not the "internal investigators" who are comprised of people wanting to keep their jobs. And all of you idiots who are ganging up on FLBachelor; he's the only one with a brain out of all of you (besides me, of course).
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Posted by ( mlparco ) on February 4, 2008 at 5:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thank you all for supporting my brother. I just wish that people would have given him the same courtesy of innocent until proven otherwise that we give criminals. Hopefully now the media will be just as fast to apologize and print the real story.
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Posted by ( mlparco ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
hey jagaka2, read the NEWS MEDIA REPORTS, many CIVILIAN witnesses came forward, so it's not just an IAB report
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:08 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
mlparco - I wouldn't call you an impartial contributor. If that poor woman was your mother, you'd be singing a different tune. I hope she sues.
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Posted by ( Desmo ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Like I said before in postings about this story, some people create their own problems. This report just proves she created her's.
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hey, if we're all so sure and trusting of law enforcement - let's publish the report and all take a look at it.
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Posted by ( DonnaStillwell ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
WHITE TRASH GONE WILD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by ( mlparco ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:19 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If she sues, she'll have to testify under oath, which by her own admission she has refused to do
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:20 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
And why is it taking so long for these comments to post. Is some LEO checking for content?
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Posted by ( drdneast ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
She keeps eating those McDoanld's fries and getting herslef into a lather about trivial stuff like this, she won't live to see 76. Same goes for the rest of you yuks.
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:25 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
What? Nobody wants to read the "facts" of the report and see who provided these "facts"? Talk about blind faith.
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Posted by ( jdickerson ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:31 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
This message to FL Bachelor: You may be the dumbest person I have never had the pleasure to meet. I didn't realize you needed to maintain the car length distance for every 10 m.p.h. How fast do you go through the drivethru?
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Posted by ( Desmo ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Jagaka, I'm guessing you are either her or a relative. None of us care to read the whole report, to me the witness accounts speak volumns. I'm sure you can purchase a copy if you are so inclined to however. For the rest of though, we're inclined to believe a whole bunch of witnesses that have nothing to gain by making false statements.
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I'm waiting.
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Posted by ( jdickerson ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I should of read more and I would have noticed that jagaka2 was the 2nd dumbest person. These two knuckleheads should move in with one another and get married
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:44 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Desmo says "None of us care to read the whole report, to me the witness accounts speak volumes." This lazy, apathetic attitude is so prevalent in our society. No wonder why law enforcement "gets away" with what they do. You people need an education. Getting arrested is WAY too easy these days. Officer Parco you should be ashamed of yourself. Which Florida Statute did you "bend" to justify an arrest? jdickerson - maybe you and Desmo should hook up and see how many more cretins we can populate Tampa Bay with.
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Posted by ( Jen1897 ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
For those of you not familar with jagaka2, they are nothing but a cop hater. They ALWAYS have something bad to say about a LEO. They obviously have a very big chip on their shoulder.
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Posted by ( Desmo ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:53 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Yeah, Jag whatever. You should go put on your tin foil hat now and eat your saltless fries before they get cold. That cop should have Baker acted you when he had the chance.
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 4, 2008 at 6:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hernando - go take your nap.
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Posted by ( jdickerson ) on February 4, 2008 at 7:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't think being asked to just drive away more than 6 times could be construed as "way too easy". Cops do a job that most people don't want to do for not much money. They suffer failed marriages and early heartattacks so rejects like jagaka2 can sleep at night without having to take turns on watch with rejects like FL Bachelor. The people have spoken and there is nothing left to say but goodnight.
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Posted by ( ally ) on February 4, 2008 at 7:15 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
wow!! is jagarka the one and only ms merola herself?? MUST be.. either that or a relative.... they have the same mentality, the altered state of self perception and the same trailer trash demeanor. whooodoggy! that beer can didn't fall far from the six pack now did it jag! ps.. time to change your diaper honey.
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Posted by ( DorkSpotter ) on February 4, 2008 at 7:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
As I read through all these comments and the endless debate, I realize that it all comes down to this:
Why didn't the lady JUST MOVE HER CAR?
We wouldn't even be having this discussion had she simply moved up a couple of feet. Instead, it sounds like she picked an irrational fight for no reason.
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Posted by ( DarthManhandle ) on February 4, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Fricken old people have such a sense of entitlement. Listen Granny go back you shadyacres trailer park and eat your unsalted french fries.
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Posted by ( Xcalibur ) on February 4, 2008 at 7:46 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I wonder if her powerful friends are taking her calls today.
... And if the orange jumpsuit will match the black conical hat...
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Posted by ( God ) on February 4, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I shall call Jean Merola back home shortly for her crimes. Officer Parco, you are absolved of your sins my son. As for the McDonald's, I command thee to make fries and coffee faster, or thou shalt face my wrath.
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Posted by ( DarthManhandle ) on February 4, 2008 at 8:07 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
god-
i have a running bet with a friend of mine. Are you male or female?
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Posted by ( Xcalibur ) on February 4, 2008 at 8:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
God -
Why a muskrat? You know what I'm talking about.
-X
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Posted by ( sherri77 ) on February 4, 2008 at 8:30 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If I looked like Jean, I'd be a b*tch too!! And I doubt if any of her relatives want anything to do with her either. I said the cop was right from the beginning and now the truth is told! Yea!
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Posted by ( scottfwtx ) on February 4, 2008 at 8:39 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why would you go to McDonald's for french fries without salt anyway? That's like ordering a salad without lettuce.
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Posted by ( ally ) on February 4, 2008 at 8:59 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
as for the no salt question.. it's either due to health issues or (most likely the scenario) a ploy people to use to get fresh fries..
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Posted by ( robertj1954 ) on February 4, 2008 at 9:06 p.m.
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Posted by ( jman50 ) on February 4, 2008 at 9:16 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Why not give her fries with salt, they don't mind screwing up orders. Then she would have driven off and been happy for a little while anyway. I wonder if he made her lie down on the ground to hadcuff her? Old woman like that should not be eating fast food.
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Posted by ( CConrad ) on February 4, 2008 at 9:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
OMG!!!! I can't believe you IDIOTS are defending this old hag! All she had to do was drive up a few feet! What the hell is the big deal? Seems these older folks think they own the world, and we just live in it. For crying out loud... if your going to place such a rediculous order, then be prepared to pull out of the way, and wait a few minutes. SHE made her bed, now she needs to lay in it. And BTW, jagaka2, sue for WHAT?!?! This old bat deserves what she got. Period. Who does she think she is... name dropping? Pulease!
I couldn't be a cop either, I would have tazered her A**!
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Posted by ( denmar ) on February 4, 2008 at 10:09 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I was wondering what the outcome of this case would be. I knew she was guilty! I hope all the people who defended this old bat in the beginning, are now eating crow. I see from this blog, though, that there are still a small percentage of you who believe Grandma. HELLO?!?!? Are you calling all the independent witnesses LIARS?!?!
It's still amazes me that the MAYOR called her to apologize! Ridiculous!
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Posted by ( therockofages ) on February 4, 2008 at 10:24 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
And in this MALE BIASED society cowtowing to women 24/7 is absurd, many men are afraid to tell women "no", no doubt it is time to rethink the process. Women are no better than men, deserve no more rights than men, and no better treatment than men. We have become a society that is afraid to tell women "NO". The time for more "no" is past due. Sit down, shut up, and hang on. It's a new world, sweetpea. The mayor even prematurely called her and apologized; making my point for me. It's out of control and many of the women seem to take advantage every chance they get. Ask many a married man, he knows what I am talking about.
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Posted by ( jagaka2 ) on February 4, 2008 at 10:32 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
jen1897 - these are your ignorant words
"For those of you not familar with jagaka2, they are nothing but a cop hater. They ALWAYS have something bad to say about a LEO. They obviously have a very big chip on their shoulder."
Jen -when you grow up, we'll talk. Why don't you get a job?
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Posted by ( God ) on February 4, 2008 at 10:35 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
DarthManhandle: I am all things. But when I appear in public, I am a lesbian. It's all about the sensible shoes.
Xcalibur: Some things exist for beauty. Some things exist for utilization. Somewhere in between, there it the muskrat.
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Posted by ( baron152 ) on February 4, 2008 at 11:27 p.m.
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Posted by ( samiam ) on February 4, 2008 at 11:54 p.m.
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Posted by ( jman50 ) on February 5, 2008 at 5:20 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hey jean lay off the fries,from your picture looks like you have had enough, salt or no salt.Go inside next time and stay out of the fast lane,its for people that would like to pickup their food and go home.
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Posted by ( Duckie64209 ) on February 5, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Is this why all the old people come out during rush hour? To see how much trouble they can cause?
GEEZE!!!!!!
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Posted by ( Jen1897 ) on February 5, 2008 at 8:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
jagaka2
LOL. Your response didn't make any sense at all! I have a job stupid. And I'm a hell of alot more grown up than you are no matter how old you are.
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Posted by ( signit4bes ) on February 5, 2008 at 8:56 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ahhhh, I see. Now that CPD has been vindicated, NOW her THUGSHOT appears. I dont think it was published on TBO prior as she was 'the victim' before now.
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Posted by ( patr ) on February 5, 2008 at 10:14 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
This officer appears to be totally right but some times being right does not necessarily make things rignt. It is said as we age we start to go back to our childhood. This reminds me of a child throwing a temper tantrum. If you continue to fight the child wins. All the child wanted is to get attention. That is exactly what happened. On television, in newspapers she probably feels just great she won. have you ever heard the expression you cannot fight with a child. If you walk away and ignore the child. The child looks around sees no one paying attention and settles down. They were already having to take orders to cars. Why did they not back up a couple cars let the officer out and continue to take things to the cars. The appearance of life going on would get the message to her and she would have left. The unusual part of this story is she gave him her license he did not wrestle her for it. That makes you wonder if she was not cooperating why she did that. The officer could have went to another spot in the parking lot where she could not view him and made sure he saw her leave. The officer had her information. If this needed to be continued they could have went to her home with out all this public attention and continued to do their job. It is sad but we are all going to get old some day. I commend the officer for doing his job and looking out for her mental health but I bet if he gets into a situation like this again it is handled differently.
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Posted by ( lauriem ) on February 5, 2008 at 10:15 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't care about reading the arrest report, I just want to see his dash cam. It should be very enlightening, jagaka2. That would lay any issue as to the validity of witness statements to rest.
therockofages, I think you're insane. I personally don't think this had a thing to do w/her being a female, it had to do w/her being old. If she would've been thirty, he would have slapped the cuffs on her a lot earlier than he did. It is ingrained in most of us from an early age to respect your elders and I think even police officers have to forget that lesson when faced w/an unruly senior citizen.
And to all the previous posters that said there was no way they could be a p/o, I agree wholeheartedly! The garbage they have to put up with in unbelievable. I would have shoved this lady face first into the concrete in order to arrest her, while yelling, "Quit Resisting! Quit Resisting!" just for dramatic effect.
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Posted by ( KUNTRYBOY ) on February 5, 2008 at 10:31 a.m.
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Posted by ( lsp ) on February 5, 2008 at 10:49 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
I hate cops and old people. Who cares!!
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Posted by ( Longball ) on February 5, 2008 at 11:30 a.m.
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Posted by ( Parker415 ) on February 5, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Too bad there was no camera crew around for this incident....would have been great on an episode of COPS.
I commend the officer on his patience, I would have lost it after the first three minutes and run her over....
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Posted by ( Charlie ) on February 5, 2008 at 11:45 a.m. ( Suggest removal )
Confusion = bad disposition, and I suspect the citizen's advanced age played alot in how she reacted. If she were in her 30's, would she have acted the way she did? Probably not.
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Posted by ( Vulcanized ) on February 5, 2008 at noon ( Suggest removal )
LOL! I'm old and crotchety and you will bow to me! Some elderly confuse "respect for elders" with getting away with all sorts of stuff nobody else would even try. He was respectful and if she complied, it would be no big deal. But imagine if she was parked somewhere and there was an emergency and the cop couldn't get her to move. Or if he had to respond to a call and couldn't get out. How would "Mean Jean The French Fry Eating Machine" feel about it if someone died because of her stubborness??
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Posted by ( rkaeser ) on February 5, 2008 at 12:23 p.m.
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Posted by ( Vulcanized ) on February 5, 2008 at 12:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Ok...here's an idea...I know you will all let me know if it's any good or not:
Each precinct should find and employ one 80'ish year old man or woman in good health and shape, preferably with a bit of a mean streak. Then, each time they have an issue with a senior, they call out the "elder officer" and then a smack-down ensues. Then its just one old fart kicking the crap out of another...no big deal. In the event the law breaker wins, they walk away free and clear. Oh man, this would be great reality TV too, wouldn't it?
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Posted by ( litenwrldofdrkns ) on February 5, 2008 at 12:56 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I have a mother like this old woman!! Can I have some sympathy here?? lol. I knew it was her all along.
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Posted by ( NOTAFAN ) on February 5, 2008 at 1:29 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
If RUDE is a crime, EVERYONE would go to jail.
I would be rude too, if it took 20 minutes to get salt-free french fries.......
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Posted by ( GF ) on February 5, 2008 at 1:38 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Someone said that she likely ordered her fries without salt for health reasons. Moron. If you have health issues, you shouldn't be at McDonalds drive thru. She would have had a had a healthier meal if she had ordered salt without the fries.
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Posted by ( thirdeye ) on February 5, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Hey God....love your sense of humor. I'll recognize you the next time I see you by the shoes!
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Posted by ( jp2 ) on February 5, 2008 at 3:14 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
You know what the REAL fix was to do? You do as I have done with a special order......you go INSIDE to place the order. Plus you save GAS too. How stupid does she think we are with that act she shows on TV?
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Posted by ( DorkSpotter ) on February 5, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
I don't feel that she needed to be handcuffed behind her back, but there was a better than average chance that she may have escalated the argument and potentially thrust kicked the officer, or pulled out nunchucks. I once saw an 82 year old woman from Sun City Center incapacitate a Target security guard using just her left elbow and part of a croissant, and trust me, it wasn't pretty. While the cuffs weren't necessary, a little mace wouldn't have been a bad idea. Let's be safe out there.
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Posted by ( Xcalibur ) on February 5, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Thanks God, I figured it was something like that. But try explaining that to Uncle Janet.
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Posted by ( wpv123 ) on February 5, 2008 at 5:18 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
1. never question authority
2. never question the actions of law enforcement
3. obey and do as you are told
law enforcement never abuses its authority and it is never wrong... therefore, please stop questioning this deputies actions and get back to work so you can pay your taxes.
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