Nevada governor pulled over in traffic stop
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Nevada’s governor was pulled over by a Las Vegas police officer for allegedly running a red light in his pickup truck and was not given a ticket after quickly identifying him.
When the officer reached the passenger-side window, he said, “I’m Joe Lombardo,” police body camera video obtained by The Associated Press shows.
Gov. Joe Lombardo was fired May 15 by an officer from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, which Lombardo led as sheriff for eight years. The officer walks to the passenger side of a light gray Ford pickup truck and asks, “Hello, how are you sir?” he says. according to the video.
Lombardo is in the driver’s seat and his wife, Donna Lombardo, is in the passenger seat.
The officer begins to explain the reason for the stop and Lombardo interrupts, saying, “I’m Joe Lombardo.” The officer says, “I’m aware,” and goes on to explain that the stop was initiated because he didn’t see Lombardo stop at a red light before turning right.
“Come on, man,” says Lombardo.
The officer responds, “You’re ready to go, sir. Thank you. Have a nice day,” and then walks away.
The entire interaction lasts approximately 15 seconds of the 1 minute 10 second video.
The police department said the governor did not receive a ticket but did not say why, but law enforcement officials say it is common not to be issued a citation for a minor infraction.
Lombardo’s campaign said the governor and his wife were on their way to the airport when they were pulled over.
“Governor Lombardo spoke with the officer, fully complied with all instructions, and departed immediately,” the campaign said in a statement Tuesday. he said. “We remain grateful for the professionalism of the officer involved and the service of law enforcement agencies throughout Nevada.”
Steve Grammas, president of the Las Vegas Police Protective Association, said the interaction was not unusual. Officers stop drivers, explain why the drivers were stopped, and then let them continue on their way.
“To me, that’s really a big nothing,” he said.
Grammas, whose union supports the Republican governor, denied that Lombardo received any special treatment. Typically officers ask for a driver’s license to identify them, but the officer already knows who the governor is, he said.
“Since the governor is the former sheriff, he probably doesn’t have a warrant, his license is unsuspended, and so there’s no need to investigate this person,” Grammas said.
Grammas added that the governor did not introduce himself as governor, but only said his name.
Edward Obayashi, a deputy sheriff and policy consultant who teaches ethics and policing in California, said there was nothing unethical in what the governor or officer did.
“We always let drivers off with a warning,” Obayashi said.
Obayashi said it was clear the officer already knew who he was stopping because he checked the license plate, and that it was a courtesy for the governor to introduce himself.
