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Officer Under Investigation for Citing Cyclist on Bike Path

The incident was videotaped and has almost 200,000 hits on Youtube.

The Los Angeles Police Department is investigating the conduct of an officer who was videotaped by a ticketed bicyclist in Venice, according to an LAPD spokesperson.

As he was riding by, the cyclists, 34-year-old Chris Jackson of Venice, complained about the officer’s motorcycle blocking the bike path, according to the video. After debating with the officer for several minutes on why exactly he was pulled over, the officer states it was for riding on the wrong side of the path. Jackson argues that he was not breaking any law. In fact, even if he was riding on the wrong side, the yellow line on the bike path was dotted, allowing for passing. 

“Why is it necessary for you to pull me over? Are you protecting the public by pulling me over for going the wrong way down the bicycle path?"

Eventually, the officer issues Jackson a ticket for riding at an unsafe speed. The ticket has been cancelled while the case is being investigated.

What do you think?

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Lauren Steiner January 22, 2013 at 08:33 pm
You leave out a key comment. At one point, the officer tells Chris he is giving him a ticket for arguing with him.
catman January 22, 2013 at 10:12 pm
I've seen this particular motorcycle cop on a number of occasions. Usually he just rides around looking for cars with expired tags that he can ticket or call a tow-truck for.I don't think you'll ever see him taking down an actual bad guy. And considering he's with the Traffic Division I guess you wouldn't expect him to. If he was on the bike path it was probably because he was bored looking at license plates and decided to take a little breather and look at some pretty girls in bikinis. Then this guy comes riding along on the wrong side of the path and ruins his mellow. And the rest you can see for yourself on the video.
Abby January 23, 2013 at 01:33 pm
While this 10 minute drama is going on, everyone else on the bike path is in danger due to the police officer blocking the bike path with his motorcycle!
Sandi January 23, 2013 at 03:32 pm
Watch out for officer douchebag!
Raul Marquez January 23, 2013 at 04:18 pm
someone get Officer Douche off the path !!!
Deborah Lashever January 23, 2013 at 11:23 pm
Indicative of the way LAPD is used to treating citizens! Police antagonism and violence is on the rise here in Venice. Venice United, headed by Ron Weekley Sr, who's son was brutally attacked by an Anti-Violence task force visiting Venice from the Metro Division, is making strides to have the LAPD become more responsive to the Venice community by lobbying for mandatory testing for Testosterone and Steroids and PTSD in working officers. Also a community/police ongoing dialogue is being called for.
Deborah Lashever January 23, 2013 at 11:55 pm
Excellent work, Chris! KUDOS, Bro!
Deborah Lashever January 23, 2013 at 11:57 pm
Get involved people! Chris is just a nice guy riding a bike on a beautiful afternoon! This--and worse--can happen to anyone at any time.
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