A traffic stop by a California Highway Patrol Officer in Hemet went horribly wrong on Monday, February 24.
An officer for the California Highway Patrol was injured after what was supposed to be a routine traffic stop. The officer had pulled over 41-year-old Richard Stewart because the plates on the black Volkswagen Passat did not match the registration.
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As the officer approached the car, Stewart put the car in gear and took off. He injured the officer in the process. After a short chase, the authorities had Stewart in custody.
The man was under the influence while he was driving the vehicle.
New information on the story has surfaced since the original release. Although it doesn’t excuse the actions of Stewart, it does explain his mindset.
Earlier that evening, Stewart had come home early and found his wife committing adultery. In a fit of rage, he took the keys to her car and took off. At some point he became intoxicated.
Then he was pulled over on Chicago Avenue and that added to his already messed up mindset. Reports indicate that Stewart was driving to his niece’s house when he knocked down the California Highway Patrol Officer with his car.
The officer was treated for minor injuries that he sustained in the accident and was released. He will be off for a few weeks to heal but will be able to return to his civil duties.
Stewart was taken and booked on Monday at Smith Correctional Facility in Banning. He is charged with suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon on a police officer and felony evading.
He is currently being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
It is unclear if Stewart will be facing more charges and citations in regard to the accident.
He was not injured during the accident or the chase.