Two Fuquay-Varina Cops On Leave After Officer's Complaint
Posted August 1, 2003 6:48 a.m. EDT
FUQUAY-VARINA, N.C. — Two Fuquay-Varina police officers are off the beat while the town looks into their actions during a July 18 traffic stop.
According to the arrest report, Dean Prescott Stancil ran from police when they tried to pull him over.
Stancil is in jail and could not tell WRAL what happened. But another Fuquay-Varina police officer filed a complaint with the town about how officers Andy Hunt and John Smith handled the chase.
"Once that inquiry is complete, the town will decide if further action is warranted," said Town Manager John Ellis, in a prepared statement.
Mayor John Byrne believes it will be handled appropriately.
"I think it's an issue," he said. "But it's not the only issue, and it's important for everyone to be treated fairly. The investigation is underway, and I'm confident that will take place."
Ellis said he would not elaborate on the specific allegations regarding the traffic stop. WRAL tried to talk to police chief Stacy Pleasant, but he refused to comment.
Town officials hope to wrap up their investigation by next week.
