A Missouri fire chief faces assault and other charges after he allegedly fought with police during a traffic stop last week.
Bourbon Fire Protection District Chief Daniel Whatley is suspended while the department investigates an Oct. 9 altercation involving Bourbon police officers, The Kansas City Star reports. He is charged with assault, resisting arrest and armed criminal action in connection with the incident, which was caught on a police dashboard camera video.
According to police, Whatley was in an SUV with a woman and two other men that had been pulled over after driving through a stop sign. The fire chief and the other occupants exited the vehicle despite being told by officers to stay inside the SUV.
“I’m the (expletive) fire chief here in this town,” Whatley is heard telling the officer in the dashcam video.
When Whatley refused to return to the vehicle, the officer radioed for backup, which arrived shortly at the scene. The situation didn't escalate until an officer asked Whatley about his role with the district.
“So you’re saying you guys are what? Volunteer firefighters?” the officer said.
"Volunteer firefighters? (Expletive) you!" Whatley replied.
At that point, a fight erupts between police, Whatley and the others, but much of the action happens out of view of the dashcam.
As the brawl ensues, an officer can be heard drawing a taser, according to the Star. Police then noticed that Whatley had been carrying a gun in his belt.
An officer was able to secure the gun and slide under a squad car. Two of the people with Whatley then tussled with an officer in an effort to pick up the weapon.
Eventually, Whatley and his companions were brought under control and taken into custody after more police backup arrived, according to the Star.
