Video of Officer Cutting Off Motorcycle Leads to Investigation

by Dylan Donnelly
Cop Block
Oct. 02, 2015

The California Highway Patrol is investigating claims made by a motorcyclist in Oakhurst, who says an officer endangered his life during an unconventional traffic stop, and he has the video evidence from his GoPro to prove it.

In the video, Hunter Smith is riding on Road 426 when the officer pulls out in front of him and breaks abruptly. Smith says the maneuver almost caused him to crash.

The CHP officer wrote Smith a ticket for speeding, but the video of the traffic stop has thousands of views on Facebook and residents in Oakhurst don't like what they see.

The video also caught the attention of the California Highway Patrol, who say they're investigating the incident.

"Any allegations against our officer's conduct is always taken seriously and given a thorough fair and impartial investigation," said Oakhurst CHP Commander Jason Daughrity.

Smith says he hopes sharing the helmet-cam video will promote safety for other motorcyclists on the road.

"I'd like a little more awareness for people riding motorcycles. It is different if you don't have four wheels and air bags around you at any moment you could crash and that one crash can take your life," said Smith.