Miami-Dade Police Officer’s Crash Investigation Raises Questions
Officer’s Bodycam Video Confirms Suspicions of Intoxicated Driver
A Miami-Dade mother and her teenage son, who reported a drunk driver rear-ended their car, are questioning why the responding officer did not appear to investigate their complaint. The officer, Willy Knapp, was a police officer himself and the husband of a police major. The incident occurred over 18 months ago, and the department has yet to release the crash report or other records.
The Crash and the Aftermath
On October 1, 2022, at around 11:47 pm, Willy Knapp, a police officer, rear-ended a 2010 Lexus IS3 driven by a 16-year-old, RJ Samalot, who was stopped at a red light on SW 112th Avenue. The impact was minor, with no injuries or major damage. However, the incident was significant, as it raised concerns about Knapp’s sobriety.
Officer’s Bodycam Video Reveals Lack of Investigation
The responding officer, Anthony Santillan, did not conduct a thorough investigation, despite the mother’s and son’s concerns about Knapp’s intoxication. The bodycam video shows Santillan arriving at the scene, greeting Knapp with a fist bump, and walking past him without investigating further.
Key Moments from the Bodycam Video
- At 11:47 pm, Santillan pulls up to the scene and is greeted by a police recruit who drove to the scene to retrieve Knapp.
- The recruit and Santillan walk past Knapp, who is swaying and appears to be under the influence.
- Santillan asks Knapp, "How’s it going?" and Knapp responds, "What’s up, my brother. How are you?"
- The recruit says, "RJ is okay," and Samalot’s mother expresses concern that Knapp is under the influence.
Investigation and Findings
The Miami-Dade Police Department (MDPD) conducted an internal investigation, but the results are still unknown. The department has yet to release the crash report or other records, despite requests from NBC6. The bodycam video confirms the concerns of the mother and son, but the investigation did not provide any evidence of Knapp’s sobriety.
Conclusion
The incident raises questions about the MDPD’s handling of the investigation and the officer’s response to the situation. The lack of a thorough investigation and the department’s failure to release records have only added to the controversy. The incident highlights the need for more transparency and accountability in police investigations.
FAQs
Q: What was the outcome of the investigation?
A: The outcome of the investigation is still unknown, as the MDPD has not released the results.
Q: Did Officer Knapp face any disciplinary action?
A: The MDPD has not disclosed any disciplinary action taken against Officer Knapp.
Q: Can the MDPD’s internal investigation be trusted?
A: The lack of transparency and the department’s failure to release records raise concerns about the integrity of the investigation.
Q: What can be done to improve police accountability in such situations?
A: Improving transparency, conducting thorough investigations, and holding officers accountable are essential steps towards building trust and ensuring public safety.
