Officer injured in traffic stop
Published 7:36 am Wednesday, February 21, 2007
By By Lisa Tindell – news writer
A Brewton woman took a trip to jail Sunday afternoon after she allegedly ran over a Brewton police officer's foot.
Just after 12:30 Sunday afternoon, Joann Lambert Downing was stopped for a minor traffic violation by Brewton Police Officer Steven Ferguson, police Chief Monte McGougin said.
During the traffic stop, a second Brewton police officer, Brock Holt, arrived at the scene. The backup from a second officer is customary procedure, McGougin said.
Although officers released Downing without issuing a citation to her, she put her vehicle in reverse and backed up to the location of the traffic stop, McGougin said.
McGougin said the officers began to explain to Downing that the second officer had arrived at the scene to ensure the safety of his fellow officer.
McGougin said Holt then pulled his patrol unit in front of Downing's vehicle, which forced her to stop.
McGougin said his officers were following procedure in this case and should not have to be subject to such verbal abuse.
McGougin said officers with the Brewton Police Department are often subject to verbal abuse from those who are being held, questioned or arrested.
Ferguson was treated for his injuries and is expected to make a full recovery.