You claimed your department was capable of policing its own. David took a step closer to the chief. The rain was letting up, reducing to a steady drizzle, but the tension in the air was thick enough to choke on. Tonight, chief, your officer stopped me without probable cause. He demanded my papers without legal justification.
When I peacefully exercised my constitutional rights, he assaulted me, placed me in handcuffs, and locked me in a cage. He did not run my plates because he didn't care about the law. He cared about power. It's an isolated incident, sir. I assure you, Harrison pleaded, wiping water from his eyes.
Mercer is a hothead. We'll handle him. He'll be suspended without pay by morning. No, he won't, Captain Pendleton interjected, stepping forward, his voice a low growl. He's currently in state custody.
And he's staying there. You can't just arrest one of my men without conferring with me, Harrison protested. A brief flash of territorial anger breaking through his panic. "Chief Harrison," David said, his voice rising just enough to command total silence. "This is no longer an internal Oak Haven matter.
As of this exact moment, I am directing the state police to seize all digital servers, dispatch logs, and body camera footage from your precinct. We are taking jurisdiction over this investigation. " Harrison looked like he was about to collapse. Governor, please. The press. If this gets out, it will destroy the town.
It will look like we're running a corrupt department. You are running a corrupt department, chief, David said plainly. And the press is going to know everything. But not tonight. Tonight, I have somewhere to be.
David turned to Pendleton. Arthur, I need to get to Oak Haven Regional Hospital. My mother is waiting. Yes, sir. Pendleton said immediately.
We will drive you in the lead Tahoe. Trooper Hayes will secure your personal vehicle and drive it to the hospital. No, David said softly, looking at his Ford Explorer. I started this drive alone. I want to finish it.