A Shoreline motorcyclist is speaking out about the possible suspension of a King County Sheriff's detective who pulled his gun on him during a traffic stop.
Alex Randall, 31, does not believe the recommended 10-day suspension for Detective Richard Rowe is harsh enough. Randall believes Rowe doesn't have the temperament or integrity to be on the streets.
The August incident was captured on a camera mounted to Randall's helmet. The detective said he stopped the motorcyclist for reckless driving.
At first, Randall thought Rowe should be relegated to a desk job.
"His use of firearms, his judgment, and his emotion with how he conducted this stop, just seemed to say, hey, put him behind a desk or something. Just don't have him interacting with the public," said Randall.
But after reading documents from the investigation, Randall believes Rowe did not tell the truth about what happened.
"In the investigation, realizing he's lied in very significant ways, that's a terminable offense," said Randall. "I don't want someone with that level of integrity on my streets policing people. Because that will get people hurt. That will get people killed."
According to the investigative findings, Rowe provided a statement saying he drew his weapon in response to Randall's actions:
"...he saw Randall look in the motorcycle rear-view mirror, lean back and drop his hands to his waist area. Det. Rowe stated he thought this was an indicator that Randall had seen him and had a weapon."
However, the video reveals when Randall leans forward to look in his rear-view mirror, Rowe already had his weapon out.
Randall details the issues he had with the investigation in a video he posted to YouTube.
The internal investigation recommended a 10-day suspension for violations of department rules on courtesy, conduct unbecoming an officer, and identifying oneself as a member of the department.
But investigators said the two charges of excessive force and inappropriate use of authority were unfounded.
Rowe still faces a Loudermill hearing to plead his case before the department makes a final decision. A spokesperson for the department said it would likely be the first week of January when the new sheriff takes office.
Rowe is an 18-year veteran with the department.
