FOP: Search allegations unwarranted

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has expressed its disappointment over statements made by a former Newport News police officer, now school board member, who said her son was improperly searched last week.

In a release, FOP President Jim Cartwright said the actions and statements made by Pricilla Burnett over the recent arrest of her son Ashley Burnett were "inflammatory and unfounded in relation to the incident that occurred when her son was arrested. In addition, we believe that calls for an outside investigation and baseless accusations are unwarranted and self serving."

Burnett's son was arrested on two counts of assault on law enforcement officers, obstruction of justice with threats of force, and resisting arrest.

Police told WAVY.com Burnett was blocking traffic for a period of time, so that vehicles had to slow down or pull into oncoming traffic to avoid him. Officers said that he refused to move out of the roadway, and when they went to ticket him, he refused to sign the summons, and refused arrest. According to the release, officers were faced with an "uncooperative and extremely violent situation."

The FOP stands by the Newport News Police Department and the officers involved in this incident. They hope time will allow the incident to unfold in the "proper fashion and proper court of law" and that Mrs. Burnett will rethink her statement.

An internal investigation is ongoing.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE RELEASE FROM THE FOP.