Police on bicycles apprehend Chicago PD officer for burning out his Dodge Hellcat's tires | Carscoops

      Every detail of this case appears completely absurd, particularly how officers halted this Charger while on their bicycles.

      Arizona police stopped a driver of a Dodge Charger Hellcat for making tires squeal.

      They cuffed him just four seconds after he exited the vehicle and quickly arrested him.

      Now, that driver, who is a police officer in Chicago, is suing the Tempe Police Department for discrimination.

      Jalen Woods, a Chicago police officer, is taking legal action against the Tempe, Arizona Police Department for allegedly violating his civil rights. He claims that officers singled him out for being a Black man driving a Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye. The department asserts that he revved the engine and made the tires squeal, which they cite as their reason for arresting him moments after pulling him over.

      A police report explains why the officers believed arresting Woods was warranted: “While the vehicle was stopped in traffic and continuously revving the engine, the rear tires began to create a squealing noise for approximately 1-2 seconds.” Indeed, just two seconds of tire squealing led to this man’s arrest.

      The Charges Were Dropped

      Later, the city prosecutor dismissed the case, stating there wasn't a likelihood of conviction. “I feel like I was targeted and discriminated against because of my skin color,” Woods told ABC 15. “They didn’t believe that I could be a police officer. They picked the wrong person. They chose an officer who knows his rights, who knows the law.” The outcome of the civil case remains uncertain, but we will continue to monitor it.

      Regardless of the racial discrimination aspect, this entire incident seems utterly ridiculous. Bodycam footage shows the moment Woods passes by the Tempe PD. He is not producing any smoke from his tires and is navigating through an intersection.

      The video offers no evidence that he “had engaged in an exhibition of speed.” Additionally, when his brake lights are visible, they are clearly illuminated. The statement from the Tempe PD regarding the matter only exacerbates the absurdity.

      “The Tempe Police Department strongly denies the false allegations in the Notice of Claim submitted on behalf of Officer Jalen Woods. There was no discrimination against Officer Woods, based on his race or for any other reason. He was treated the same as anyone else.”

      What Are We Even Doing Here?

      Essentially, the Tempe PD seems to suggest that they aim to arrest individuals who make their tires chirp while driving peacefully through intersections. Let’s assume all of this did occur prior to the video starting. Arresting him mere seconds after stopping him for a minor traffic violation appears overly harsh. I unintentionally make my Ford Flex’s tires squeal several times a month. I guess I should steer clear of Tempe, AZ from now on.