Monroe County District Attorney Sandra Doorley is facing calls for an investigation after body camera footage captured her refusing to stop for a police officer who attempted to pull her over for speeding. The incident which occurred on Monday has raised questions about Doorley’s fitness to serve as district attorney and has led to widespread criticism of her behavior.
NEW: New York District Attorney Sandra Doorley runs from the police after an officer tried pulling her over, says she should get special treatment because she is the DA.
This is what you call a Corrupt Karen.
Doorley said she "didn't feel like stopping" because she was… pic.twitter.com/bQnFlS68Q1
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 27, 2024
According to the footage, Doorley was driving 20 miles per hour over the speed limit in a 35 mph zone when the officer tried to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of pulling over Doorley continued driving to her house and pulled into her garage.
The footage showed Doorley telling the officer she “didn’t feel like stopping” and was “stressed” about murder cases she was dealing with. Doorley then called local Police Chief Dennis Kohlmeier demanding that he tell the officer to “leave me alone” and referring to the officer as an “a—hole.”
Doorley pleaded guilty in municipal court on Tuesday. However, the Rochester City Council believes this is not enough to address the seriousness of her actions.
So this will be an interesting week for Sandra Doorley. The letter below certainly doesn’t help her and after re-reading her “Statement” released previously, this sentence will never age well..
“My work to ensure the safety and respect of law enforcement is well-proven time and… pic.twitter.com/3HlWpJgloE
— Arline (@ArlineL0) April 28, 2024
In a letter to New York Attorney General Letitia James the council members wrote “Recent body camera footage shared by the Webster Police Department has raised significant concerns regarding Ms. Doorley’s behavior during a traffic stop in Webster, New York. This incident has led us to question her fitness to serve as District Attorney and we believe an investigation by your office is warranted.”
They added “The behavior exhibited by Ms. Doorley during the traffic stop as captured in the body camera footage appears to violate these standards. Such behavior undermines the credibility and integrity of our justice system and erodes public trust.”
In a statement Doorley attempted to explain her actions saying that when she realized the officer intended to pull her over for speeding she called the police chief to inform him that she was not a threat and that she would speak to the officer at her house down the street. She claimed to accept responsibility and said she “had no intention of using my position to receive a benefit.”
The incident has sparked outrage among members of the community who believe that Doorley’s behavior was unacceptable for a public official. Many have called for her resignation or removal from office arguing that she has demonstrated a lack of respect for the law and for the officers who enforce it.
Others have defended Doorley pointing to her long career in public service and her record of fighting crime in Monroe County. They argue that while her actions during the traffic stop were inappropriate they do not negate her contributions to the community.
As the investigation into Doorley’s conduct moves forward it remains to be seen what consequences she will face and what impact this incident will have on her career and reputation. Regardless of the outcome the incident has highlighted the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions and the need for transparency and integrity in the justice system.
