NEWPORT NEWS, Va.
The first time Newport News Police Officer Christopher Miner, 37, appeared on WAVY News 10 nearly four years ago, he had been given the "Award of Valor."
Officer Miner is in the news again, but this time he's been arrested and charged with abducting a woman.
According to court documents, the woman says she was having a "social evening" with the officer at his house in Newport News.
She claims she laid down in his bed and then he tied her to his headboard using leather restraints and took pictures of her. The woman says the officer threatened to post the pictures on the internet if she did not spend the night.
She went on to allege Miner blocked the door and would not let her leave. Finally, she says, he let her go and that's when she called the police.
Newport News Police Chief James Fox sat down for an exclusive interview with WAVY.com.
"It hurts. We talk about the badge and tarnishing the badge," said Chief Fox. "We teach ethical behavior. We teach character and that's what the public expects from us."
Chief Fox said he must wait for the completion of the investigation and judicial process, but he understands, this case has already hurt the public's trust in the department.
"Officer Miner might have made a mistake. He'll have to deal with the mistake. We will deal with the mistake and we will move on," said Fox.
Officer Miner's attorney told WAVY.com, "Once the evidence is thoroughly investigated by the police department and reviewed by the commonwealth's attorney Chris Miner will be completely exonerated."
Officer Miner is the second Newport News officer in the last two weeks to be arrested.
Lt. Ronald Hendrickson was arrested on Christmas night for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman.
"You worry about your image and you know that the last couple of weeks have not been good weeks for our image," said Fox.
Image is not the Chief's only worry right now. He says city leaders have instructed him to start preparing for budget cuts and the possibility of laying off police officers.
"That's a possibility, depending on how deep the budget cuts go. We are prepared to have to deal with that."
The chief says despite the looming budget woes and the recent arrests of two of his officers, he has a good department, with dedicated officers.
"We will continue to serve with our heads up. We've got great people here and they are truly committed to making the city safe," said Chief Fox.
Both Officer Miner and Lt. Hendrickson are on administrative leave.
Video and More Information:
http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/local_wavy_newport_news_officer_arrested_20090112
2 comments:
Nice of the Chief to make him sound guilty before he even gets his day in court. What if he is innocent?
Dear Warden:
Sounds like this CHIEF does not support his Officers! I read on the internet that this officer Miner recieved some awards for his performance in protecting the community. I would hate to see how the Chief reacts to one of his half ass officer if accused of something.
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