Centralia Police Chief Christopher Locke says a review will be conducted of a traffic stop where an officer was attempting to secure a gun in the vehicle at the same time the driver reached for it.
The officer drew his weapon and retreated to the rear of the vehicle and subsequently, took the driver into custody. It was later determined the driver had a valid concealed carry license. The driver was issued a warning for the equipment violation and released from the scene.
The driver later filed a complaint about the conduct of the officer and how the stop was conducted. As a result, an investigation began and is ongoing.
Locke says they are most thankful no one was injured because of the encounter. Once a thorough review of the incident has been completed, additional information will be released.
Centralia Police say the incident has led to an opportunity for all of us to gain a better understanding of how a traffic stop is conducted and the roles/responsibilities of everyone (officers and residents) involved when the additional factor of concealed carry and the presence of a firearm is involved. The department plans to release additional information on the topic to clarify misconceptions in hopes to avoid any future incidents.
The release adds Centralia Police fully supports the rights of residents provided for by the 2nd Amendment and have publicly stated that support in the recent past.
The traffic stop occurred in the area of US 51 and Walnut Hill Road at 3:36 am on June 13th.
