Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Video: Jerk CHP Officer Handcuffs Firefighter Helping Car Crash Victims
A CHP officer was captured on camera arresting a firefighter who responded to the scene of a car crash in Chula Vista last night.
Chula Vista Firefighter Jacob Gregoire, 36, responded to the scene of a crash on the 805 Freeway at 9:20 p.m. Tuesday night. One car had overturned, another had fallen down an embankment and two people were reported injured (one was hospitalized), according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Gregoire parked the truck in the center divider in a way that is meant to protect victims as they were being loaded inside an ambulance. Chula Vista Fire Chief Dave Hanneman told the Tribune, "Our firefighters are trained to use the engine to protect the scene. Our No. 1 priority is the safety of our firefighters and patients."
But a CHP officer who responded to the scene later wasn't happy with the way that the truck was parked, and he asked Gregoire to move it. Gregoire refused and went back to helping the crash victims, a local CBS affiliate reported. The dispute escalated quickly, and Hanneman said the CHP officer threatened to arrest Gregoire: "The officer said, 'No, you need to move now or you'll be arrested.'"
Support for LAist comes from
The officer then proceeded to cuff Gregoire in full view of a TV news camera, while other firefighters worked to help the victims. Gregoire was detained in the back of a CHP squad car for about a half hour until the supervisors from both agencies arrived. Here's the CBS newscast that includes footage of Gregoire being cuffed:
CHP told news outlets that they weren't offering comment until the incident was investigated. Hanneman told CBS, "To detain one of our firefighters in the middle of an incident is ridiculous."
Related:
Listen To The Radio Calls That Led To Jerk CHP Officer Handcuffing A Firefighter
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist