A Fort Myers police officer was given a verbal reprimand and a requirement to attend additional training after an internal review determined he was “rude” and made a racially-charged comment during a traffic stop.
Patrol officer Jose Gomez was found not to have complied with the department’s general rules of conduct during a Dec. 25 traffic stop.
According to the report, prepared by Sgt. Willie James Tellis, Gomez conducted a traffic stop on driver Latonya Leaphart and her passenger, Gerah Leaphart, at the intersection of Eastland and French Streets. Gomez said he stopped the vehicle for loud music.
While accounts differ, Gomez said Latonya Leaphart was swore at him and argued with him throughout the stop. She was upset because Gomez reportedly did not reveal the reason for the stop, though Gomez said that was because she continued to interrupt him.
At this time, another officer responded and was within earshot when Gerah Leaphart reportedly asked Gomez if he was black. Gomez then reportedly responded with the answer, “I’m not black, thank God, I would never wish to be black.”
Ross couldn’t be sure if those were the exact words, but believed they were something along those lines.
Latonya Leaphart later filed a complaint with the police department, which sparked the internal investigation.
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