Tell us what you think about the site
Customer Care »
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
AJC Services
Sections
Other Editions
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vacation stops, manage subscriptions and more
Visitor Agreement | Privacy Statement
© 2013 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
197 comments Add your comment
Susie Q
January 3rd, 2012
11:08 am
Not You, you dumb idiot, the point I was making is that the GSP is all too eager to pick on people and seems to believe their badges place them above the law. Seems to me you’re just as eager to pass judgment! Get back to work!
Dear Shawn
January 3rd, 2012
11:10 am
All caps and gratuitous exclamation points do not conceal the fact that you write like a fifth grader. Please hold your imbecilic comments for a less sensitive subject.
Shawn
January 3rd, 2012
11:13 am
Dear Shawn,
It looks like I hit a nerve. You must be a law officer? Just telling the truth about what your Trooper did.
jj
January 3rd, 2012
11:17 am
Has an official statement been released as to what the chase was about?
Blkshepherd
January 3rd, 2012
11:24 am
Its a Tragedy any way you look at it. I almost had a police crusier Slam head on into thank god I just slammed on breaks as he narrowly wizzed by me. I was about to make a right turn when I heard sirens but didnt see anything. Something told me to just Stop. I did. And sure enough out of No where comes this police car making a sharp Left turn. Whenever I come to a blind intersecton I always pause and Look before I proceed even if I have the light. Yes Police officers need to practice a little more due care before rushing and top speeds during conjested traffic. Witness said they never heard sirens or saw any flashing lights. This is very very Possible as I have wittnessed this myself. No lights just patrol cars Speeding.
Dear Shawn
January 3rd, 2012
11:26 am
I’m not a law enforcement officer; actually, I don’t really care for them. You didn’t hit a nerve. That would suggest I have personal feelings about the matter, which I do not. I understand and respect that you were offering your opinion of the situation, and the truth is I tend to agree with what you wrote.
My point, though, was that your manner of writing strikes me as being lazy and immature.
I would ask that you consider re-posting your original comment; but this time, please take a moment to properly punctuate and proof read. It is the least you can do in this time of tragedy.
And remember, when you are discussing a comment that someone made in writing, you should refer to what they “wrote,” not to what they “said.”
Casual Observer
January 3rd, 2012
11:30 am
If anyone believes that lights and sirens would be effective safety tools when traveling through that part of town at a high enough rate of speed to cause a fatality collision, then they should apply for a job at the GSP. Apparently they have incredibly low standards of intelligence for their officers.
Ken Stallings
January 3rd, 2012
11:31 am
What a terrible development! Driving with your wife and children, following all the traffic laws, and wham! You get sideswiped by a police cruiser! I understand officers having to respond to a call for support, but standard police procedure is that even in a high speed chase you have to use extreme caution when approaching an intersection you would not normally have right-of-way, you have to ensure no one is in your way.
Hard to know exactly what happened not being there, and no question the officer himself is heartbroken over what happened. But he was responding to a routine traffic stop for — ironically — failure to yeild right of way. While the officer had lights and siren on, there was no distress call. A tragic error in judgment and let’s hope our police officers learn from this and increase their precautions.
diving duck
January 3rd, 2012
11:32 am
Men of average character who are given power. Cops are criminals.
anybody know a trooper to get a ticket?
January 3rd, 2012
11:32 am
My guess is the trooper was ACTUALLY responding to some elected official who needed a quick ride from his hotel to the GA Dome. We will never know, but that is typical for these LARGER THAN LIFE state troopers….
godoggo
January 3rd, 2012
11:35 am
I ditto many of “sparta_bubba” comments……and i whole heartedly pray for the family having lost my Mom by a drunk driver. But……..there is NO reason on Gods green Earth…..Why you should be having a high speed chase on an Interstate without a helocopter and then only with “due care”…….i could show you repeatedly where they lead to nothing but bad endings for all involved. Only with a helocopter can you control and maintatin the situation.
Are countless lives worth a couple speeding tickets ? If anything, the motorcyclist should be charged with an acces. in the death of Mrs. Porter.
Just sayin.
Billy
January 3rd, 2012
11:38 am
Prayers to Porter’s and all hurt. RIP Kathy!
I would hate for all you people who have already did your own investigation (are now ready to hang the Trooper) to be on my jury.
The camera in GSP car will tell the real story. Witness have different storys and I’m not taking up for either but 95% of you people bitching about speeding go down the interstate running 80 plus..When you have a problem WHO? do you call and you want them asp! You don’t have a clue what a person you’re (GSP) chasing will do. The officers put their life on the line every stop they make..Nothing will bring Kathy Porter back and the officer will never get over it…Judge not that you may also shall be judged…I pray for the family,friend,Officer and his family and all you people so quick to judge.
Sad Situation
January 3rd, 2012
11:41 am
NOT above the law….yes he had to take a blood test per state law and per DPS policy. Yes he can be charged if its determined he did something to violate the law. If it is determined that he didn’t use “due regard” and was at fault he will face department disciplinary action which can include firing and could face 2nd degree homicide as well per state law. Don’t judge a man until you’ve walked in his shoes so lets all wait until the facts come out and then make a rational judgement. I’m sure the tv and print media have already filed open records reports to get the trooper’s video as well as investigation report and notes.
Billy
January 3rd, 2012
11:43 am
11:32..I know many and for other reasons too.
JR
January 3rd, 2012
12:09 pm
I’m not going to comment on this specific case until I know all the facts.
However, whenever someone flees a police officer, not chasing them is not an option. If you have a “no-chase” rule, no criminal will ever be caught. Why would a criminal ever stop for police if they know the police won’t chase them? And frequently these “fleeing” criminals are a threat to public saftely whether they’re being chased or not.
That being said, there are certainly times when the police shouldn’t chase. There are times when chases should be ended. And there is no question that many police officers have a lot to learn about how to conduct a chase with mimimal risk to the general public. But criminals have to know that police can and will chase them if they flee.
Oh, to those who say “just get their plate number and pick them up at home”, could you please tell what color the sky is in your world.
GhostRider
January 3rd, 2012
12:13 pm
All I can say is this is very Sad…A family loses a loved one over a stupid Traffic Violation, I don’t get it.
jb
January 3rd, 2012
12:20 pm
just get their plate #…what if plates were stolen? go pick up wrong person? get a life!
Thanks JR
January 3rd, 2012
12:25 pm
Thanks JR for that comforting statement. You really know how to put things in perspective. Before your comment I am sure everyone was thinking that law enforcement should never pursue anyone on the highway, and no one ever considered that pursuit is a deterrent to evasion.
From your keen insight and deft use of cliches I can only assume you are an esteemed law enforcement officer.
Since you have been so generous with your time in explaining law enforcement policy and procedure to everyone, can you please tell us how anyone with half a brain would travel that fast in that area under any circumstances? We will all concede the fact that hot pursuit is generally reasonable.
messy jackson
January 3rd, 2012
12:53 pm
Joseph – “their cars are equipped with cameras that show when the lights and sirens are on so you can take your conspiracy theory down the road”.
How in the world can cameras pick up the sound of the sirens ???
lvdavis30281
January 3rd, 2012
1:03 pm
The terrible thing that people forget to realize is that when you hear the sirens or even see the lights blaring sometime you do not know from which direction it is coming unless you are facing the approaching vehicle with siren and lights blaring. The sirens give an echo affect in the air; for those who are not facing the vehicle with the emergency siren or lights on, their first response is to look around and see where it is coming from, by that time there is an car collision or impact. All depends if it happened at an intersection or not also. The wife was on the passenger side, so if Mr. Porter was coming off of an side street to make a turn that could have caused the problem also. In any event is is a sad, sad, sad fatal accident and I know that the Porter family and the State Trooper is shook up over this tragedy. People please be more sensitive to all parties involved. Tragic accidents do happen … have compassion for both sides. Have a great day, and lets pray for the survivors and everyone directly or indirectly involved. Be Blessed everyone. SHALOM!
jb
January 3rd, 2012
1:26 pm
Jackson..camera also records everything said and all sounds…to potect the all party’s.
jb
January 3rd, 2012
1:27 pm
protect all party’s..sorry
Will
January 3rd, 2012
1:28 pm
The trooper’s goal was to get to I-20, in reality, he didn’t make it, therefore there is a serious flaw in the procedure he was following in the execution of his duties. Obviously, lights and sirens mean nothing when you hit another vehicle. The streets in Atlanta are seriously congested; therefore emergency vehicles are going to have to seriously reduce their speed when going through intersections. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out.
Derek
January 3rd, 2012
1:44 pm
High speed pursuits of any kind are unwarranted and not necessary. In this case, a police officer did the crashing / killing; in most it’s the pursuee or perp. Either way another innocent victim goes to the morgue for no good reason. I lived in NYC for decades. We never had these kinds of incidents. Why? Because it is police dept. policy NOT to allow them for the results mentioned above. We now have radios and GPS systems to find out where people are going and where they live. Only down south are these Buford T. Justice types allowed to operate.
Cecil34
January 3rd, 2012
1:57 pm
My condolences to Mr. Porter and his family in this trying time.
RIP Kathy…..
Mr. Porter and his family in this trying time
January 3rd, 2012
2:13 pm
Thank you Cecil34. Without your support, I don’t know how we could go on. May you have a Blessed day.
SSS
January 3rd, 2012
2:17 pm
GSP – God’s Special Police as they call themselves…. Do stuff like this regularly… speed, text while driving, use their lights and sires as an excuse. Happens all the time. And most judges and public appointed individuals protect GSP. I hope this incident will cause this idea of “helping” the GSP to change.. They are foolhardy and reckless… Siren/lights on and off.
Shay
January 3rd, 2012
2:24 pm
My prayers go out to both families involved. It doesn’t matter now who was right or wrong, a life is lost and nothing will change that. May she rest in peace and we respect their privacy.
CarDawg10
January 3rd, 2012
2:28 pm
You know the cop was just going to be the 4th cop car to arrive for a motorist getting a speeding ticket or something. These cops pretend they are important and do it for the thrill. Not only do these lead-footed cops put innocent lives in danger, it wastes gas that the taxpayers pay for.
SSI Resident
January 3rd, 2012
2:34 pm
On Jekyll Island, GA, the GSP has a station, where the cops from there spend time catching speeders coming off the bridge to or from Jekyll. The speed limit changes dramatically, and they will stop you for a fraction over the limit. If they aren’t there, they are behind the desk doing paperwork. Why can’t they be on I-95 catching the real speeders and dangerous drivers? There have been several people killed on the Glynn County stretch of I-95, especially during the road construction.
CatLover
January 3rd, 2012
2:36 pm
Everyone take sides! If you are the caller in need of 911 and they are taking too long to get there, you are mad. If someone else has called for help and someone is injured as a result, you are mad. It’s a mad, mad, mad, mad world! A lovely lady has lost her life. Take down the fence between the “sides”.
ND
January 3rd, 2012
2:58 pm
The GSP was negligent so stop calling it an accident.
Timbo
January 3rd, 2012
3:07 pm
The officer was speeding on city streets to assist in a chase on I-20? What an idiot. This accident was totally unneccessary and preventable.
CJ
January 3rd, 2012
3:25 pm
Just two weeks ago, I saw law enforcement run a red light not stopping at all but had the sirens on. Next to me since we had the green light, one car suddenly stopped and that caused a four-car wreck with the last car being a tow truck. Additionally, I have seen cops put sirens on just to get thru traffic, run thru a red light, etc. and immediately turn the sirens off once he/she has made it thru an intersection and I have seen cop cars speed at high rates and drive erratically without sirens on. This type of abuse is inappropriate!
Bill Tetley
January 3rd, 2012
3:57 pm
Donald Crozier needs to be arrested and on trial for the murder of Mrs. Porter. I hope the Porter sues the pants of the GSP and the Crozier family. Crozier should never be allowed to walk the streets again as a free man. Arrest him now!
JB
January 3rd, 2012
4:07 pm
After reading most of the comments and stories of similar incidents, sounds like the GSP/ ATL police have created a bad image for themselves…..no ones fault but their own.
An inmate at a correctional facility
January 3rd, 2012
4:23 pm
Cops protect cops. Always have, always will.
Absolute power corrupts absolutely. Whether it is big business fighting any sort of regulation, the police, monopolies, pastors, husbands who feel that religion gives them absolute authority over their wives, parents who feel that their parenting should never be questioned, politicians who pass laws that they are exempt from obeying, teachers who feel that they are entitled to lifetime jobs, poor neighborhoods who feel that snitching means being a disloyal sellout……there is a huge need for regulation and accountability, in all walks of life…no matter the race, gender or economic status.
People who feel that the police should never be questioned or investigated…who feel that the police are all good people…are just plain blind to human reality. Temptation is a mofo…especially when one knows that they dont have to worry about being investigated, regulated or told on by his peers or those he’s responsible for.
I dont know what exactly happened during that chase. However, until the investigation is done…and subject to being verified by an independent, open entity….it’s too early to jump to any conclusion.
Steve [Bistritz]
January 3rd, 2012
4:31 pm
Most importantly, sincere condolences to the Porter family on Kathy Porter’s passing. I have not been able to stop thinking about this story since I initially saw it in the AJC. My heart goes out to Jeff, because it is obvious that he is a loving husband, just trying to treat his family to a Bowl game on New Year’s weekend.
Tim’s comment that an “Emergency vehicle has the right of way” is absolutely absurd and totally incorrect.
I used to be a volunteer paramedic and had to often drive an ambulance using red lights and sirens in emergency situations. We were taught defensive driving techniques and were especially directed that we had to make certain we could safely proceed through an intersection with a traffic-light. We were taught to approach those intersections slowly, making certain that it was safe for us to proceed through a “red light”, for example.
I can’t say what truly happened at this accident scene – but I know for certain that emergency vehicles don’t necessarily have the right of way – they have to “earn” the right of way, only after making certain it is safe to proceed..
Jason
January 3rd, 2012
4:34 pm
I want to know the Porter family has my prayers. May he find peace with his family. Also he is not alone. He as the family of the braves who have seem him over many many years. God Bless.
An inmate at a correctional facility
January 3rd, 2012
4:34 pm
If being a police officer is such an “honored” responsibility, then shouldnt only those individuals who can “honor” that responsibility by obeying the laws that they are SWORN to protect AS WELL as adhering to the police department rules of a high speed pursuit….be allowed to be police officers?
Good citizens can make one mistake that will cost them dearly. Police officers should not be exempt from the same cost. If anything, because of the responsibility they have….the price they pay should be greater than the average citizen.
It is wrong for one to expect police officers to enjoy the perks that come with the badge….yet exempt themselves from the drawbacks that come with the position. That’s like an athlete, actor or musician enjoying the perks that come with fame and celebrity…..yet complaining that they cant go shopping, enjoy a dinner or a movie without being bothered by fans wanting an autograph.
If you cant handle both the good and the bad….find another line of work.
An inmate at a correctional facility
January 3rd, 2012
4:46 pm
Given police abuse in the past and the subsequent coverups that have been rampant, all over the world throughout history…it is natural for some to assume the possibility that the police were at fault here. I said the “possibility”, not “for sure”.
That’s why an open investigation is important. Anything else will appear to be cops covering their own. Even if Porter himself was at fault…it wont matter because it will look shady.
An inmate at a correctional facility
January 3rd, 2012
5:02 pm
The bottom line is that a woman lost her life here. If this wasnt an accident (brakes failing, deer running into the path of either the cop or Porter…or something along those line)…then either the cop or Porter should PAY BIG TIME for what happened.
Either the cop violated high speed chase procedures…or Porter’s driving was negligent. Intent has nothing to do with this. The fact that Porter nor the cop wanted this to happen is irrelevant. Whether being a police officer or a regular driver…..one has responsibilities when driving, because other lives are in your hands if you make fatal mistakes behind the wheel. Driving is a privilege, not a right…just like being a police officer is.
Someone was at fault here. Someone has to pay, criminally, for this…and I’m not talking about taking the easy way out and solely blaming the person the cop was chasing for what happened. Just because some knucklehead was running away from the police….DOES NOT exempt either the police from obeying high speed chase procedures…..NOR Mr. Porter from obeying responsible traffic laws.
One of them should pay with the full extent of the law…should it be proven that this wasnt a pure accident, in the true sense of the word.
Braves Fan
January 3rd, 2012
5:21 pm
So badly I wish Jeff could’ve popped out of the driver door, jogged around the car, taken a look at Kathy, and then applied a band-aid, or some eyewash, or had her flex her arm and throw a couple of pitches while he stood to the side watching intently for any signs of pain, then leaned in for a private joke and a tender reassuring pat before jogging back to his place.
Learning that such a tragedy happened to someone I have grown up watching take care such good care of my heroes, I am truly saddened today.
Georgia State Patrol Spokesperson Wendell L. King, Jr.
January 3rd, 2012
5:32 pm
Preliminary results of a blood screen obtained from Mr. Porter at Grady Memorial Hospital approximately 35 minutes after the collision indicate that Mr. Porter had a blood alcohol content of 0.11cc by volume.
Rick
January 3rd, 2012
5:39 pm
Officer made an error of judgement. That means this is NOT an accident, it was a consequence of negligence. The Porters should sue the state for negligent manslaughter.
AnOldViolin
January 3rd, 2012
5:39 pm
Flashing Lights and Siren do not give the driver the right to run stop signs and red traffic lights ! It only request permission from others. As a former first responder and fire fighter, I was cautioned by my supervisors that I was to enter each intersection with caution and only proceed if it was clear, and told that if I ran a stop sign or traffic light and had an accident that I could be at fault. I wasn’t there, and I don’t know what the circumstances were, so that can be figured out by those who reconstruct the accident scene,,,,,But, please don’t assume because the lights were flashing and the siren sounding that the law allows someone to ignore these traffic signals….
AnOldViolin
January 3rd, 2012
5:44 pm
To the Porter family, I offer my sincere Sympathy and Prayers for them. We are taught not to question the reasons when things like this happen, so I will say only…..May God be with you in this great time of loss……
Choppinmama
January 3rd, 2012
5:45 pm
As Jeannie (fabulous name, btw!!) commented earlier, Bubba has been part of the Braves family for a long time. We all ache for their immediate and adopted family. This is a sad blow to the team and the entire organization.
Another sad, senseless tragedy that could have been avoided with some common sense. Crowded downtown streets, running a red light…………….
Maybe a few too many car chases watched recently. They don’t work out in real life like they do on the screen. People crash, are maimed and die.
ricardo Cabeza
January 3rd, 2012
5:58 pm
Tim, Sooooo WRONG!
Hooters!, Lighten up will ya?
To all,
Jeff Porter is a good man who has just had the love of his life ripped from him. The GSP Trooper is devastated. (and may be jobless soon) Please pray for everyone involved. Thanks.
Choppinmama
January 3rd, 2012
6:03 pm
Braves Fan: my thoughts exactly. If there was ever the right guy there at what, sadly, was not the right time, it was Jeff. No freeze spray fix this time. Poor guy, my heart is so sad.
Choppinmama
January 3rd, 2012
6:06 pm
Common Sense: isn’t it sad that this teachable moment came after such a tragic impetus? Important lessons learned from horrific disasters.
Bill Tetley
January 3rd, 2012
6:08 pm
Wendell L. King, do you have any proof to that statement or are you just making it up to protect your buddies’ hide?
Skeezix
January 3rd, 2012
6:16 pm
An awful tradegy for everyone involved. May God rest her soul and bless her family.
Donaldo
January 3rd, 2012
6:18 pm
An extremely sad story, 2 families adversely affected, there are no winners. We just need to support all involved and use this as a lesson.
Fan of the Game
January 3rd, 2012
6:25 pm
You know as a true fan you feel like you know people like Jeff Porter personally because you are with him with every televised game just about every night from April to October. You feel for him and his son. You feel like they are family. And then the trooper just has to feel terrible about this tragedy. The other night I was stopped by a State Trooper because my head light was out. My wife made a comment how dangerous a job that is because nowadays they don’t know what they are going to encounter anytime they walk up to a vehicle. I really feel bad for him and his family. We just have to remember that things happen for a reason and only God knows but our thoughts and prayers are with both families.
PO2313
January 3rd, 2012
6:38 pm
OK…blanket no pursuit policy once the tag # is obtained..come on. Put yourself in the thug’s shoes. You this and it will be worth the thug’s while EVERY time to run. The thus will not know if his tag has been obtained or not. He will NOT be looking in his rear view morror saying”oh..they are no longer behind me..I will drive safely now…”
What such a policy would ensure is that 90% of people who feel they have ANY reason to flee…will..they will NOT use the mindset of ..”well I had better pull over..they have my tag #. ” If they believe they have any chance they will run regardless. A no pursuit policy will ten-fold the number of fleeing vehicles on the road.
ike
January 3rd, 2012
6:46 pm
Shawn you do not have the slightest idea of what you are talking about. There is no state law that dictates how fast you go over the speed limit when on an emergency response… Each jurisdiction establishes that through policy and procedure… Check your facts.
Phils fan
January 3rd, 2012
6:55 pm
1st hermain cain’s presidential bid. and now this?? it’s too much..
Phils fan
January 3rd, 2012
6:59 pm
kidding aside, this a truly sad story. i wish only the best for this guy and his family.
Atlanta Academic
January 3rd, 2012
7:05 pm
The intersection of Memorial Drive and Capitol Avenue is massive. The design of the intersection itself may have contributed to the crash. I always cut over to Martin Luther King because I believe the intersection where the crash occurred is too large to be safe. It forces drivers to be committed to cross traffic for too long and the size allows for higher speeds with inadequate sight distance.
I assume that the SUV was traveling north on Capitol Avenue after exiting I 20 West and was turning left on Memorial while the Patrol car was traveling south on Capitol preparing to take the ramp to I 20 East. The SUV was probably committed to a lengthy turn and even with lights and sirens the Patrol car could not avoid the resultant crash due to the design of the intersection.
I drive on Peachtree Parkway in Peachtree Corners and always feel unsafe at the huge intersections with high speed limits. It is almost impossible to look both ways to see if it is safe to cross. Again the design of the road and intersections leads to hazardous driving conditions.
The intersection under Peachtree Industrial at Jimmy Carter is an example of one type of design that may work better. Left turns for both north and south ramps bypass without ever intersecting.
It is so sad
January 3rd, 2012
7:10 pm
Having lost my dad when I was 15 due to a car accident on New Year Eve, my heart goes out to the Porter family. It make every New Year difficult. Mr. Porter and family, my prayers are with you. Please try to stay strong and be there for each other.
Michael M.
January 3rd, 2012
8:19 pm
This is just one of those things that happen you never think would happen…..it just goes to show we never know when it is to be our time so always trust in doing the right thing and belief in God and no matter what happens here on Earth in the Material World know that one day we all will see the Spiritual World.
I have been through something like this several times in my life and each time was tough but with all the other family it always made it easier. Its just a sad and shocking tragedy that happen in a moment and sometimes its the way some of us leave from here to another life.
No sense pointing fingers or blame to someone else on here for that will be dealt with in another way. Prayers and thoughts to the Family and hope the Braves Organization surrounds them with love at this tragic time.
George
January 3rd, 2012
8:43 pm
The trooper was wrong according to the code:(b) The driver of an authorized emergency vehicle or law enforcement vehicle may:
(1) Park or stand, irrespective of the provisions of this chapter;
(2) Proceed past a red or stop signal or stop sign, but only after slowing down as may be necessary for safe operation;
(3) Exceed the maximum speed limits so long as he or she does not endanger life or property; and
(4) Disregard regulations governing direction of movement or turning in specified directions.
Bama Fan#2
January 3rd, 2012
8:47 pm
Sorry to hear about want happened to the Porter family.
We do not know all the facts yet so just pray for every
body involved in this terrible accident.
phil
January 3rd, 2012
8:55 pm
Tim
January 2nd, 2012
10:32 pm
Seriously Phil??? The trooper had lights and siren on. Emergency vehicle has the right of way. Terrible tragedy but don’t blame the trooper.
******
Yes, seriously. You don’t know what you’re talking about. Ask an audiologist a few questions based on the facts here and see if you don’t reconsider your rush to judgment.
Police chases have cost thousands of innocent people their lives over the years. It is an appalling and awful statistic. These chases are rarely justified but they make for good TV, right?
phil
January 3rd, 2012
9:00 pm
Sad for all involved
January 2nd, 2012
11:21 pm
My condolences to the Porter family. This is tragic and sad for ALL involved. I know the Trooper. He is a GOOD MAN. Don’t condemn him. This was an accident. With the obvious exception of the Porter family, I doubt anyone feels worse than he does. God be with everyone involved.
******
I’ll condemn him for you then. He and the stupid policies that allow this kind of driving.
phil
January 3rd, 2012
9:07 pm
SuperTrooper
January 3rd, 2012
7:19 am
Its just too bad that that the “Super Trooper” refused to yield at a red light and caused a death.
The BIG question is:
“Will he be held accountable and responsible for a vehicular homicide as any ordinary person would be charged with?”
Surely he is ’suffering’ with the guilt that he possibly feels now, but would he do it again?
According to the witnesses accounts, the trooper ran the red light. Blue lights or not does not relieve him of the responsibility to drive with care nor do the lights and siren give him carte blanche to violate laws all are supposed to held accountable for.
Thinking that he sould at least do probation and never work as a law enforcement officer due to his blantant disregard for human life.
All over a failure to yield….. PITIFUL.
******
Take it from one who knows…
They will fight this thing to the end. They always do.
The only hope the Porters have for justice is the high profile nature of this tragedy.
Georgia State Patrol Spokesperson Wendell L. King, Jr.
January 3rd, 2012
9:11 pm
Good point, Atlanta Academic. The intersection is exceptionally wide. It is especially dangerous to pedestrians.
Mr. Porter was in fact traveling north on Capitol Ave., but he stated that his intended route was to proceed north through the intersection and then west onto Martin Luther King Junior Blvd.
TFC Crozier was traveling west on Memorial Drive, and he stated that his intended route was to continue west on Memorial and then to enter I-20 westbound from Pryor Street. Preliminary estimates from tire skid measurements indicate that TFC Crozier’s cruiser was traveling westbound between 70 and 75 MPH in the eastbound lane of Memorial Drive immediately prior to the collision. The posted speed limit in that area is 35 MPH.
Also:
Please disregard my prior statement regarding Mr. Porter’s medical status (BAC). The statement contained errors and, for multiple reasons, was not appropriate for this forum.
phil
January 3rd, 2012
9:17 pm
Wendell, it appears that you are not appropriate for this forum if you came on here and said that about this man…
You should be ashamed of yourself.
And try using a real name instead of pretending to be somebody you aren’t.
phil
January 3rd, 2012
9:29 pm
I am Karen Santorum’s illegitimate down syndrome baby.
robert
January 3rd, 2012
9:38 pm
Wonder if this GSP trooper would have blown through this intersection if he had been on a motorcycle?
KEENAN BYRD
January 3rd, 2012
9:44 pm
IF YOU HANG A BADGE AND A GUN ON A PERSON IT SUDDENLY GIVES HIM OR HER ALL THE AUTHORITY IN THE WORLD..
Ted Sheckler
January 3rd, 2012
10:19 pm
phil, what a disgusting comment. You should be in prison with this state trooper. It is no wonder they say liberalism is a disease.
sports
January 3rd, 2012
11:15 pm
What a senseless death. This cop should be charged with vehicular homicide..flying through red lights at 80mph. Whether he is a rogue cop or not…no chase is worth a life…stupid.
Red Stick
January 4th, 2012
12:30 am
My condolences to the Porter family. This is tragic.
Unfortunately it takes a life lost and a family devastated to bring to light something that should not be happening and that’s cops driving like a bat out of hell. Too often I’ve seen cops driving nearly 100 mph and I’ve wondered is it really necessary.
Mitchell
January 4th, 2012
12:38 am
James
January 3rd, 2012
7:40 am
Something has to be done about the intelligence level of our police officers.
Yeah, good luck with that one.
Man, that’s terrible. What a shame.
Need to step up.
January 4th, 2012
9:10 am
Love riding into work behind troopers in the AM. I can go 30 miles over the speed limit and nobody cares.
Tim, a law official does NOT have the right of way through a intersection. He has to slow down and maintain safety at all times. He is also supose to throw his siren going though (with caution) at all times. Just watch firetrucks and ambulances at how they go though. That is the proper way. If this trooper blew through the light then he is at fault and regardless of his siren he will be at fault.
To the Porter family, may Gods arms hold you in this terrible time. My heart goes out to you.
fred
January 4th, 2012
9:44 am
Did any of you ever consider that Jeff might have been in the wrong. They could have been talking, laughing and had radio going and not heard the GSP…Who knows? Man you people are sick putting all blame on trooper without all detail. I for one appreciate all kinds of law officers. I was in a wreck and if they had not got there when they did and got me out of burning car before it burned up I would not be alive. These people are special and don’t deserve the hate. Wait and let the investigation learn the details.
A.B. Normal
January 4th, 2012
10:10 am
The trooper was attempting to join a chase already in progress?? The vehicle being chased was a MOTORCYCLE?!? Did he really think he was going to a) catch up to a MOTORCYCLE (probably a crotch-rocket) in a cop-sled, and b) be able to bring about a safe end to the chase? Really?? Sounds like GSP needs to review its criteria for engaging in chases, train its troopers appropriately, and hold them accountable for their choices. All law enforcement officers are responsible for using good judgement in every situation they encounter. The ability to do that comes from good training and experience.
Rick
January 4th, 2012
11:09 am
Did the guy they were chasing in the interstate git away… According to GSP that is the MOST critical issue.
Public safety. It’s like the wars in the middle east making America safer…. For who?
The safety and well being of Americans and Atlantans is the number one issue, without discussion. Chasing a car on the interstate while killing people is not public safety.
GSP policy and training should be changed because of this. Let’s see what ole Nate has to say about his.
Comp
January 4th, 2012
11:43 am
Shay
January 3rd, 2012
2:24 pm
My prayers go out to both families involved. It doesn’t matter now who was right or wrong, a life is lost and nothing will change that. May she rest in peace and we respect their privacy.
**************************************************************
That’s pretty funny, Shay. I would’ve thought that because a human life was lost that it would be especially important to determine “who was right or wrong.” Glad to see it’s no biggie after all. If the officer had run off the road and over someone’s pink flamingo, then the question of compensation could be raised, but since someone died, no reason to sweat the particulars. I like that.
phil
January 4th, 2012
12:23 pm
I heard Ted has a bad case of the Shecklers. Now that, my firends, is a disease you DO NOT WANT.
monty
January 4th, 2012
2:37 pm
Every year tradgedies like this happen to innocent motorist who are guilty of nothing, other than not being able to escape a speeding bullet of a car. Law enforcement officals have started scaling back on their chase scenarios for the protection of the public. Do police like chases? It would seem so, get the ole adrenaline pumping. But most of the time it is a very risky and unnecessary proposition unless an officer or a person is being attacked in some way. I live in a small sleepy town where you can drive from one end to the other in 10 minutes and not long ago I called 911 after hearing shots fired on my block one night. It took a patrol car 7 minutes to get here. If it had been a chase scenario they would have been here in under 2 minutes. Betcha!
how2fish
January 4th, 2012
3:09 pm
To the Porter family, I offer my sincere Sympathy and Prayers. May the Lord give you the strength to deal with this tragedy.
KSB
January 4th, 2012
7:52 pm
why is it that only a Few days ago A 82 year old woman hit a child in metro atlanta exiting a school bus. KILLING The Child and Minutes Later this 82 year old Woman was Booked and Charged with Vehicular Homicide’
When will The State Regarding Mrs. Porter Answer to these Happenings
Wierd !!!!!
01HAWK
January 4th, 2012
10:14 pm
Any encounters I have had with Police are that they feel that they are GOD…………………….And to not mess with them. They seem to think that they can say whatever they want to.
I have no respect for them and I never will.
Holier Than Thou
January 4th, 2012
11:10 pm
9 out of 10 Policemen would steal money out of A Church Offering Plate\
Reverie
January 5th, 2012
10:09 am
Wow, this conversation has turned seriously dark. I hope each of you that write with such conviction and authority can do so with a clear conscience and a peaceful heart. God bless Mrs. Porter and peace be with all the families touched by this tragedy.
Blanch
January 6th, 2012
2:18 pm
I have been in law enforcement for 30+ years. I have always been told that when an emergency vehicle enters an intersection, the driver of that police car, ambulance, etc., must use due regard and must, in essence, “ask” for the right to proceed through by making eye contact with each driver in the intersection. Before everyone gets all upset over this statement, it slows the officer down for just a few seconds and allows the other drivers to see the patrol car and hear the siren. Those few seconds can save lives, the officer’s and the citizen’s, and the officer can proceed on through safer than if he/she just “blew” through the intersection. If an officer does not arrive safely, he/she is not giving the help needed and causing more problems. There are many observations and opinions on this matter. It’s all how you train to drive your car. If you “over-drive” your ability or drive with your emotions (heart) and not your head, then trouble will follow. I’m just sayin…
Blanch
January 6th, 2012
2:27 pm
Oh, and one more thing. Regular folks drive like they have hot pepper up their 5th point of contact too, so I’m not hatin on GSP. Aggressive drivers are all over the place. 70 MPH on I-75 means 80 to 90 MPH + to most people. Take a moment and reflect on your own driving skills and emotions while driving before drinking “HATER-AID” on the police.
AvidReader
January 6th, 2012
3:11 pm
Police officers and ambulances do NOT automatically have the right of way when a light is red even if they have the lights and sirens on. They are supposed to WAIT for others to yield, not just go through a red light. The blame is solely on Crozier, not the Porters, not teh motorcycle the others were chasing. I am sure he feels horrible, and perhaps is a great officer, but Mrs. Porter is still deceased because of his negligence. And for what? To chase after a motorcyclist? Where is the common sense? I believe in second chances, but when a life is lost, a second chance is much harder to argue for.
rev555
January 6th, 2012
7:23 pm
what a tragedy—–no i am sure the GSP did not intend this at all. But just a thought—I met a GSP 2 days ago on a sharp curve running at a high rate of speed, ran off the highway, threw a gravel rock into my windshield and busted it. My passenger and I thought he was gonna lose control of the Gray Charger, had he, i would not be writing this today. A badge gives them no license to break the law just like my title gives me no license to sin—–but having said that, prayers for both the family and trooper involved.
Michael M.
January 6th, 2012
11:56 pm
Still up late night here and just read where the Trooper involved in the wreck was released or terminated today. It seems he has a history of wrecks with this being the ultimate one and I am very very sorry this has happen to family involved !
This was senseless to begin with around Atlanta streets and I feel like there will be more swift penalties than just a terminated officer. One other thing that made this so bad was it happen over the holiday weekend when they preach to us Citizens about safety on the road. I am just shaking my head over this one ,believe me I am.
Sometimes it is better to let the criminal go and try to get him another time or day ! I also notice and have been told about law enforcement hot rod around in these muscle souped up cars and turn on lights to keep from waiting on red lights, making u-turns right around in the public roads, pouring on the speed out on County two lane roads, among other things also.
If you are going to be our State Law Officers I feel you need to have at least enough respect for us not to run over us with these souped up muscle cars you have the honor of driving out of all our Tax dollars ! ! ! Yes I am mad about this but trying to show some compassion to those involved in the tragedy. I feel no pity towards this Officer because he let us all down when he lost respect for the many good People who drive those streets everyday and I bet you there had to be other Officers on that highway or closer around to where the response was needed than this Officer !
I sincerely hope the Family after some time has past seriously look into a lawsuit against the State on this one. Terminating this Officer proves without a shadow of a doubt the State was in the wrong on this one also ! I don’t want to see or hear about another Family being involved in something as careless as this was.
I am sincerely sorry to hear about this happening to a fine family and my familie’s heart and prayers go out to Jeff and his ! I and my family hope with time all this will heal for all of you !
To all the State Officers,County Sheriff’s Departments and Local City Police that the majority of us uphold with the most respect, please be wise and careful as to what you are doing out there and consider the consequences if something should go wrong ! The Laws you enforce are for you as well and you need to practice what you preach………………………
An inmate at a correctional facility
January 7th, 2012
7:04 pm
Ward, we have holes in left (Prado, even when healthy, isnt a power hitting left fielder), right (Heyward looks lost, unable to turn on the inside pitch, terrible at going back at balls hit right over his head), short stop (Pasturnicky reminds me of Pete Orr) and starting pitching (Hudson’s back, Hanson’s shoulder, Jurrjens’ knee…as well as the far from proven commodity that make up Minor, Teheran and co.) and third (at 40, who really believes that Chipper Jones is going to stay healthy).
We have a plethora of question marks and what ifs. Looks like a 4th place finish for us.
DENNIS ANDERSON
January 8th, 2012
12:59 am
Looks like a job for GRAAAVE DIGGGERR!
Braves Fan From Beantown
January 8th, 2012
7:31 pm
I grew up watching Jeff Porter in the clubhouse. To me, he was always just as much a Brave as Glavine, Maddux, Cox, Smoltz, and the rest. I’m shocked and horrified to read about this accident. My thoughts are with him and his family.
Michelle
January 9th, 2012
11:57 am
Very saddened to hear of another senseless tragedy due to police not taking public safety into consideration during high speed chases in downtown busy areas. I was the victim in a crash with a police car practicing “silent running”. The cruiser had no sirens but lights on and traveling at a very high speed in downtown Atlanta. I was driving in a 30mph zone and it was estimated that the police car (who was answering a burglary call) was traveling in excess of 75 mph. The back of my wagon was torn off and the rear axle flew 30 feet from my car.Basically my car exploded. The police car was unrecognizable. Luckily myself, my companion and the officer didn’t sustain life threatening injuries but one of my precious dogs was killed and the other is now handicapped so i live with this everyday. The police car was traveling so fast I didn’t see him until he hit my car and this was in a neighborhood by a park! The witness that testified in my favor in a trial 4 years later (who was a police officer who witnessed the crash) stated that not using sirens is a common practice though it is against code. I fought the city for 4 years to make a statement that this kind of practice is wrong and to try to gain awareness. These type of crashes happen ALOT in the city and the police really need to be held accountable. It’s heartbreaking to hear that this has cost another life. Prayers for the Porter family.