DETROIT – Detroit Police Chief James Craig says a sergeant in his department is facing disciplinary action in connection with a traffic stop involving City Council President Pro-Tem George Cushingberry Jr.
Cushingberry was pulled over Jan. 7 for failing to signal as he pulled into oncoming traffic from a club.
Watch: Uncut: DPD newser on Cushingberry traffic stop
Craig said the marijuana belonged to a passenger in Cushingberry's car, who has a medical marijuana card, but it should not have been out in the open in the car. Cushingberry also was not driving with his license and had an expired vehicle registration.
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Craig said the officers followed procedures, calling a sergeant to the scene when Cushingberry identified himself as an elected official, and Cushingberry was cited for the traffic violation. But, Craig said, despite the alcohol and marijuana in the car, the sergeant allowed Cushingberry to drive away without performing a field sobriety test.
The sergeant "failed to conduct a thorough assessment of the incident," Craig said. Craig said the concern is that the sergeant gave special treatment to Cushingberry. "Part of our message is there will be ethical treatment of everyone, no matter your status," Craig said.
Craig didn't elaborate on what the disciplinary action would be against the sergeant.
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